Brush

"A set of three Chinese bamboo brushes with bristles, each measuring approximately 8" in length and dating from the end of the Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty. Each of the brushes are deeply carved and feature motifs of dragons and clouds, the ends with hardwood caps.

The brush is one of the rarer forms of items for the scholar's table. It is called "pi" in Chinese and is the most important tool of the calligrapher and painter. The bristles are made from the hair of various animals including goat, rabbit, fox, badger, deer, etc.

Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) is the most difficult wood to carve. It is hard as horn although it is hollow and segmented. It is lustrous and it ranges in hue from lemon to black, with warm tones in cherry red, tortoise shell, mahogany, as well as variegated hues. Bamboo represents longevity because it flourishes throughout the winter. It is highly prized." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 8/8/2001.

Christie's New York, September 16, 1999, sale #9212, lot 54. Well-carved Chinese bamboo brush without bristles, 18th/19th century, 9" L. Bernie McManus, Woodbury House, 8/8/01.

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