GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer a stylish vintage Chinese calligraphy Brush Rest. Classical Chinese scholars had more than just the traditional
"Four Treasures" (an expression used to refer to a calligraphy ink brush, inkstick,
paper and inkstone) in their studies - the other "Treasures" included
the brush-holder, brush hanger, paperweights, the seal, seal-ink, brush pot and brush rest. More than mere art curios, these objects embody the highest degree of
technical precision and a finely honed aesthetic sensibility. As such,
they embodied the shared wisdom, traditions, and values of Chinese scholars who governed China for more than two millennia. Brush rests done in so-called "organic
taste " were highly appreciated, where the mellow colors of carved bamboo, unusual grains of waxed
hardwood, and the natural forms provided philosophical and moral inspiration through their symbolic content. This
unusual example is formed from a beautifully carved and burnished section of
bamboo, with a surface texture of ribbed grooves, and ingenious sections on the underside for ink. It
measures 10 inches in width by 2.5 inches in depth by 1 inches in height
(25.4 cm by 6.35 cm by 2.54 cm). The brush rest shows wear consistent with a
dating to the mid-20th century, although this is difficult to determine given
the nature of the object; it could very well be earlier. This would make an exceptionally fine
addition to any collection of scholar's or calligraphy objects.