Gnarled Root Brush Pot

Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot was a fixture of every traditional scholars' desk. This wooden brush pot from the mid-19th century was sculpted from the hollows of a gnarled elm tree root, carefully worked to preserve every knot, twist and burl in the wood. Popular during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), brush pots such as this were revered for their organic, wild appearance, bringing to mind the romantic notion of an artist-scholar living amidst nature. This example has been softened by the touch of many hands, burnished to a smooth patina that calls to be touched.

Additional Dimensions:
Interior: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 4.5"H