Carved from a striking piece of black-and-white grained hardwood, this late 19th-century Chinese brush pot exemplifies the ideals of the scholar’s studio—where nature, artistry, and utility converge. The original artisan has honored the wood’s dramatic contrast and organic burls, incorporating them directly into the design while subtly enhancing the surface with carved knots and flowing grain patterns. Incised lines trace the boundaries between the black and white sections, emphasizing the natural movement of the wood. Such pieces were more than functional; for Chinese literati and scholars, brush pots, brushes, inkstones, and brush washers were vital companions in the pursuit of poetry, calligraphy, and painting. These objects were chosen with discernment, reflecting a scholar’s taste, intellect, and appreciation of nature’s quiet power. With its balance of raw material and carved detail, this brush pot sits firmly within that tradition—an object as contemplative and expressive as the hand that once used it.

11.5 in. W x 8 in. D x 9 in. H