NAVIGATION

Although utilitarian and humble in origin it was the ‘four treasures’ of the scholars study; the writing brush, ink-stone, ink-stick and paper which distinguished the scholar from the common tradesman and enabled him to pursue a career which brought him social and financial status. Thus, the objects of the scholars studio came to be treated with great reverence and all the related paraphernalia for writing or painting such as brush rests, brush pots, water droppers and scroll weights all became works of art. Indeed, production of these items eventually reached such a high level of refinement that their selection for use became a matter of connoisseurship.