Antique 1800s Chinese Hand Carved Marbled Red Brown Floral Motif Brush Washer

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This is a unique, hard-to-find, antique, excellent condition, hand crafted "hand carved marbled reddish brown floral motif flower design scholars … Read more This is a unique, hard-to-find, antique, excellent condition, hand crafted "hand carved marbled reddish brown floral motif flower design scholars double pot brush washer" handmade in China in the early-to-mid-1800s My friend's uncle purchased this wonderful brush washer at an estate auction in Chantilly Virginia in 1976 from the estate of a Chinese American man and his wife who had spent their lives collection items that reflected their national heritage.  This sleek figural scholar's brush washer was notated in my friend's uncle's inventory as "antique Chinese hand carved natural red marbled soapstone floral carving double pot scholar's brush washer - 1842".  Displayed inside a glass cabinet as part of a Chinese antiquities collection, it was packed away in 2005 and forgotten about; recently rediscovered, it has been safely and securely stored. It is in excellent condition with no marks, stains, odors, chips, cracks or other damage; it comes from a smoke-free, pet-free home.  Hand carved from a single piece of natural untreated marbled red brown Chinese soapstone, this decorative scholar's brush washer has a length of approximately 5 1/2 inches, is approximately 4 1/8th inches tall and approximately 1 inch thick/deep; it is not marked or signed.

With a graceful shape and nicely detailed features, it is entirely hand carved from a single piece of natural lustrous marbled red soapstone by a superbly talented Chinese artist who has created a primitively handsome figure.  The workmanship has wonderful texture and flowing lines, making this figural brush washer a truly unique work of Chinese folk art that is both elegant and primitive at the same time. Carefully carved, this magnificent brush washer feature an interesting, original, painstakingly carved floral chrysanthemum motif.   With the flower curving up from the ground between the two pots, it sits flat without rocking and might have been used by a Chinese scholar or artist to wash his brushes.  Highly collectible, this is a thick, well-weighted piece that is a fun, graceful and exotic piece of home decor that would be a great addition to any room; it is sure to be complimented on by everyone who sees it.  This soapstone brush washer was entirely hand carved and is quite rare with exquisite detailing.  It is a museum quality piece of art with nice, elaborate details and a graceful form.  A stunning, masterfully carved, striking piece, it is just the right way to add a touch of ancient oriental asian flair and mystique to your home or office décor.  With a marble reddish brown coloring, you can almost see movement in this piece as it seems to come to life. See less