Brush and Lid
ca. 1580-1620 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This lacquer brush was part of a set used for writing, calligraphy and painting. The design combines bamboo, prunus and pine, also known as the ‘Three friends of winter’ (sui han san you), symbols of longevity, integrity and fortitude against adverse conditions; the pine and bamboo are evergreens and the prunus is the first to blossom at the end of winter.
Literary skills were essential requirements to pass the civil examination to become an imperial officer, and painting or calligraphy were widely practised by the educated class. As brush, ink, paper and inkstone were indispensable tools for these activities, they were also known as the 'Four treasures of Study' (wen fang si bao), and became symbols of literacy, refinement, and high status.
Literary skills were essential requirements to pass the civil examination to become an imperial officer, and painting or calligraphy were widely practised by the educated class. As brush, ink, paper and inkstone were indispensable tools for these activities, they were also known as the 'Four treasures of Study' (wen fang si bao), and became symbols of literacy, refinement, and high status.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Carved red lacquer |
| Brief description | Brush and lid, carved red lacquer, China, Ming dynasty, ca. 1580-1620 |
| Physical description | Brush with lid made of red lacquer, carved with a design of bamboo, prunus and pine against a square diaper ground on both parts |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Gallery label | Brush for writing or painting, carved lacquer on wood
1580-1620, Ming dynasty
Garner gift(June 1991) |
| Credit line | Gift of Sir Harry Garner and Lady Garner |
| Production | From register: the two parts, although near-contemporary, may have belonged to different brush-holders |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This lacquer brush was part of a set used for writing, calligraphy and painting. The design combines bamboo, prunus and pine, also known as the ‘Three friends of winter’ (sui han san you), symbols of longevity, integrity and fortitude against adverse conditions; the pine and bamboo are evergreens and the prunus is the first to blossom at the end of winter. Literary skills were essential requirements to pass the civil examination to become an imperial officer, and painting or calligraphy were widely practised by the educated class. As brush, ink, paper and inkstone were indispensable tools for these activities, they were also known as the 'Four treasures of Study' (wen fang si bao), and became symbols of literacy, refinement, and high status. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | FE.48-1974 |
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| Record created | October 2, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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