Bitong, Brush Pot

"A Chinese huanghuali (huang hua-li) brushpot (bitong) for the scholar's desk, 18th century, Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty, 6"H x 6" dia.

Huanghuali became increasingly popular from the middle of the Ming Dynasty onwards. Some of the finest pieces for the scholar's desk, as well as fine furniture, were produced from huanghuali.

From the Song Dynasty onwards inkstone, ink, brush and paper have been known as wen-fang ssupao or Four Treasures of a Scholar's Study. The "four treasures" was a highly developed art and highly prized. In addition to the "four treasures" seals, brush pots (bitong), wrist rests, scroll pots, desk screens, and other scholar's objects have been appreciated for their function as well as beauty. The objects could also be merely decorative with aesthetic qualities." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 10/23/1999

Yellow Rose Wood.

Cameron, Nigel. The Chinese Scholar's Desk. Hong Kong: FormAsia Books, 2003.