Brush

2001.07.0013B

Thumbnail of Brush (2001.07.0013B)

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Brush   (2001.07.0013B)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Materials T&E
  2. :
  3. Painting T&E
  4. :
  5. N/A
Artist/Maker None
Geographic Location
Period/Date Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 1644-1911
Culture Chinese

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 28.1 cm
Dimension 2 (Diameter) 2.8 cm
Dimension 3 (N/A) N/A
Weight 55 g
Measuring Remarks Diameter taken at bulge of handle.
Materials Plant--Bamboo, Animal--Hair
Manufacturing Processes Carved
Munsell Color Information Dark Grayish Brown (5YR 2/2) -Handle overall. Yellowish Gray (2.5Y 8.5/2) -Bristles.

Research Remarks

Published Description N/A
Description

"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.

Comparanda

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.

Bibliography

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

Artifact History

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

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