Late 20th Century Large Hardwood Brush Pot With Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Calligraphy

Details

Description

This is a substantial and exquisitely crafted cylindrical brush pot (or bitong), featuring intricate mother-of-pearl (nacre) inlay work and silver-toned … Read more This is a substantial and exquisitely crafted cylindrical brush pot (or bitong), featuring intricate mother-of-pearl (nacre) inlay work and silver-toned calligraphy. Crafted from a richly grained hardwood with a warm, honey-brown patina, the vessel has a thick, polished dark wood rim at the top and a matching base.

The side of the pot is beautifully decorated with two distinct elements. First, there is a detailed inlaid scene depicting a bird perched on a flowering, branching stem, accompanied by stylized rock formations. The artisan has utilized various tones of iridescent shell—including bright white, pale yellow, and deep pink—to create the blossoms, leaves, and bird against the wood background. Second, the surface is adorned with large, elegant silver-toned characters arranged in vertical columns, which read as poetic couplets related to scholarly pursuits and nature (such as "花香門第" - Fragrant flowers at the gate, and "書香門第" - Scholarly household).

This heavy, solid piece serves as a stunning decorative accent for a desk, bookshelf, or collector's display, blending fine craftsmanship with literary tradition.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 36 cm (approx. 14.2 inches)

Height: 35 cm (approx. 13.8 inches) See less