A 19th century jade brush rest modelled as a single horned tianlu (bixie, mythical beast) or chilong. Brush rests are an important scholarly object which will have been found on a writer or cleric's desk. It will have accompanied other pieces such as scroll weights, brush washers and brush holders (bitong). Objects used by poets, philosophers, students; someone who writes as a profession. During the breaks in writing he would rest his calligraphy brush on the horn or tail of the tianlu which are hooked for holding.
It's carved from a very pale celadon nephrite with slight russet inclusions (largely uniform in colour). The colour and consistency of the stone picked for carving is more typical of mid to late 1700s jade. Largely due to Mughal / Hindustani jade carving which peaked in popularity during this period. We know that jade carvers from India and Kashmir were known as early as the Han period but were appreciated, in particular, by the Qianlong emperor who wrote poems about such pieces that were held in his private collection. His preferences will have also informed public tastes and carried into the 19th century, just after his reign.
The tail is modeled as a stylised lingzhi fungus; an auspicious symbol representing longevity and good health. Lingzhi is a mushroom which continues to feature as a staple in Eastern medicine (also known as reishi).
Length: 13.7 cm
Height: 5 cm
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.
It's carved from a very pale celadon nephrite with slight russet inclusions (largely uniform in colour). The colour and consistency of the stone picked for carving is more typical of mid to late 1700s jade. Largely due to Mughal / Hindustani jade carving which peaked in popularity during this period. We know that jade carvers from India and Kashmir were known as early as the Han period but were appreciated, in particular, by the Qianlong emperor who wrote poems about such pieces that were held in his private collection. His preferences will have also informed public tastes and carried into the 19th century, just after his reign.
The tail is modeled as a stylised lingzhi fungus; an auspicious symbol representing longevity and good health. Lingzhi is a mushroom which continues to feature as a staple in Eastern medicine (also known as reishi).
Length: 13.7 cm
Height: 5 cm
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.