Chinese Bamboo Relief Graphic Motif Carving Brush Pen Holder Art

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This exquisitely carved bitong, or brush pot, is a masterful example of late Qing or early Republican-era Chinese bamboo craftsmanship. … Read more This exquisitely carved bitong, or brush pot, is a masterful example of late Qing or early Republican-era Chinese bamboo craftsmanship. Standing approximately 15 cm tall with a rich, deep chocolate-brown patina deepened by decades of careful handling, the cylindrical vessel is entirely covered in high-relief carving that wraps continuously around its surface like a living tableau. The scenes depict the timeless “Hundred Boys” (bai zi tu 百子图) motif—an auspicious celebration of male progeny and familial prosperity. Dozens of lively boys, rendered with remarkable animation and individuality, frolic among garden fences, lotus ponds, and bamboo groves: some climb playfully over railings, others chase ducks or carry lanterns, while a few fly kites or beat drums in joyful abandon. The carving is exceptionally deep and undercut, creating dramatic shadows that shift with the light and lend the figures an almost three-dimensional vitality. Fine incised lines define facial expressions, flowing robes, and even the texture of feathers and leaves, showcasing the carver’s virtuosity. The interior is smoothly hollowed and darkened from years of holding brushes, and the rim and base are crisply finished, with the foot slightly recessed. Both the quality of the carving and the warm, glossy patina suggest this bitong was not merely a scholar’s tool but a treasured decorative object meant to evoke wishes for numerous sons, scholarly success, and enduring happiness.

Dimension: 5.5" x 5" x h6.5"
Origin: China
Material: Bamboo
Work: natural minor crack marks, patina, and minor chip

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