Early 20th Century Late Qing/Republic Chinese Carved Translucent Green Hardstone Gourd Brush Washer

Details

Description

An elegant antique Chinese scholar’s brush washer or water coupe, hand carved from translucent olive-celadon green hardstone and dating stylistically … Read more An elegant antique Chinese scholar’s brush washer or water coupe, hand carved from translucent olive-celadon green hardstone and dating stylistically to the Late Qing Dynasty to early Republic Period, circa 1880–1930.

The vessel takes the naturalistic form of a double gourd, its flowing silhouette embellished with sculpted leaves, buds, and botanical elements around the perimeter. The shallow hollowed basin and organic carving transform a functional scholar’s object into a small sculptural work.

Particularly beautiful is the character of the stone itself. In ordinary light, it displays muted olive and celadon-green tones with darker areas throughout. When illuminated from behind, however, the stone becomes remarkably translucent and luminous, revealing delicate natural veining, darker mineral inclusions, and subtle variations within the material.

The stone appears consistent with serpentine or serpentine-type hardstone based upon its appearance, translucency, and physical characteristics. Exact mineral composition has not been laboratory tested.

Brush washers formed an important part of the traditional Chinese scholar’s table and were used to hold water for rinsing calligraphy and painting brushes. Naturalistic gourds, leaves, fruit, and floral forms have a long history within Chinese hardstone carving and scholar’s objects.

The piece dates stylistically to the transition between the Late Qing Dynasty and Republic Period, approximately 1880–1930.

Dimensions
6” L × 2.75” W × 0.75” H

Condition
Good antique condition consistent with age and use. Natural mineral inclusions, internal veining, tonal variation, and surface wear are present throughout the stone. The fine internal lines visible within the translucent material are natural characteristics of the stone rather than open surface cracks.

Please see all photographs for condition and detail. The backlit photographs particularly demonstrate the beautiful translucency, natural veining, and mineral inclusions of the stone.

A distinctive Chinese scholar’s object with beautiful organic carving, considerable translucency, and strong decorative presence. See less