Scroll Weight

1999.13.0026B

Thumbnail of Scroll Weight (1999.13.0026B)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Scroll Weight   (1999.13.0026B)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication T&E
  2. :
  3. Written Communication T&E
  4. :
  5. Writing Accessories
Artist/Maker Signed Chi Tang.
Geographic Location
Period/Date Reign of Kang Hsi (1662–1722), Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 1662 - 1722
Culture Chinese
Location On Exhibitin the East Asia exhibit

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 31.2 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 5.5 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) 2.5 cm
Weight 451 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Plant--Wood, Plant--Zitan
Manufacturing Processes Carved
Munsell Color Information Dark Grayish Reddish Brown (2.5YR 2/2) -Overall(back). Brownish Black (5YR 2/1) -Bird.

Research Remarks

Published Description N/A
Description

"A very rare pair of Zitan scroll weights for the scholar's desk, carved with birds and branches, signed Chi Tang, Kangxi period (1662-1722) Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty, 12 1/4" long.

Zitan wood is a purplish black wood and one of the most important woods in Chinese decorative arts. Zitan is the hardest and heaviest of all the hardwoods. Due to the scarcity of large zitan trees, objects made of zitan are considered exceptional treasures. There are two species which are native to China: Pterocarpus santalinus and Pterocarpus indicus.

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

Comparanda N/A
Bibliography N/A

Artifact History

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction No
Reproduction Information N/A

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