Fine Chinese Ivory Brush Pot ‘Bitong’

A Fine Chinese Ivory Brush Pot ‘Bitong’
Carved in the scholar’s taste, standing on three low feet with inset ivory base
Smooth mellow silky patina
Qing Dynasty 17th Century
SIZE: 10cm high, 6cm dia. – 4 ins high, 2¼ ins dia.
The Chinese ‘bitong’ or brush pot gradually supplanted other methods of storing writing brushes from the mid 16th century and is found in all the materials used by the Ming and Qing craftsmen. Bamboo and ivory with their natural circular sections were an obvious and favourite choice for the making of these pieces. During the Qing period works of art carved in the ‘scholar’s taste’ became popular with the increasingly prosperous middle classes who wished to follow the Emperor's lead in pursuing an interest in the arts. The principal objects in the scholars’s studio were connected with the desk, the composing of poetry and the pursuit of calligraphy and painting.

Fine Chinese Ivory Brush Pot ‘Bitong’

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+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk
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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk