Twin-barrel Jade Brushpot in the Form of Bamboo and Peach Stalks
Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD)
Height: 21.9 cm, large diameter: 5.5 – 6 cm, small diameter: 4.5 – 4.7 cm
This fine Chinese twin-barrel jade brushpot is made of celadon jade in the form of bamboo and peach stalks, connected by a peach branch. The taller “bamboo pot” was attached by two ganoderma lucidums at the root, while the shorter “peach pot” was decorated by peach fruits, branches and leaves, with an orchid at the bottom.
Brushpot is a basic piece of article for ancient Chinese scholars to hold brush or other things, and some magnificently carved ones made of rare materials are also perfect decorations and treasured items. The design of bamboo, peach, orchid and ganoderma lucidum represented morality and virtue of the scholar.
Jade Gui with Stria and Animal-head Handles
Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD)
Height: 8.8 cm, Mouth diameter: 13.2 cm, Foot diameter: 9.4 cm
The round jade gui differs in design and text engraved on the surface from those of the Shang and Zhou that were widely used as food vessels. Beginning in the Ming Dynasty, such gui was a common decoration among upper classes and also could hold incense for burning. Sculpted with patterns of clouds and delicately grooved curling grass, the rosewood cover was matched to this gui during the Qing, together with an excellently engraved jade piece made in the Yuan as button on the top, the whole is circulating a thick noble and luxurious atmosphere.
By Liu Fang
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