Japanese Yatate Bronze Inkwell, Brush Holder

Details

Description

An artistic, detailed, hand worked, bronze, pierced Yatate, a portable writing set used for carrying ink and a brush.

… Read more An artistic, detailed, hand worked, bronze, pierced Yatate, a portable writing set used for carrying ink and a brush.

The lidded, pierced and reticulated bronze ink container has a long brush holder. The lid has an exotic bird finial, this Yatate is a table-top version rather than the smaller, personal brush pots that would be hung from a belt.

The long, straight shaft serves as a protective storage tube for a calligraphy brush. It is intricately decorated with raised motifs of vines, leaves, and a mythical beast (such as a ryu or dragon) near the hinge. A curved hook terminates the end for secure handling or attachment.

The large, bulbous container at the base is the ink pot (Sumitsubo) features a reticulated (pierced openwork) design. Inside, it held a small piece of natural sponge or cotton saturated with liquid sumi ink, preventing the ink from spilling out when carried.

The hinged lid allows quick access to the ink and is crowned with a small finial of an exotic bird.

The yatate is not signed.

MEASUREMENTS
20 ½ in (52.1 cm) long x 6 ½ in (16.5 cm) wide x 7 ½ in (19.0 cm) tall. Weighs 3 lbs 11.8 oz.

There are no breaks, cracks, chips, or dents. The sponge container inside has light corrosion, indicating that it was used for it's intended purpose. The finish has an aged patina and look. There are golden flashes of the underlying bronze on the leaves, bird and pierced designs where the patina has worn..

An amazing Japanese metal utilitarian piece that is elevated to a work of art. The Japanese were masters at working with metal. See less