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Mountain-form brush rest with mythical beasts

17th century
Not on view
The brush rest exemplifies the sophisticated craftsmanship and artistic creativity of pewter ware in seventeenth century China. Taking the form of an auspicious five-peak mountain, the brush rest principal faces are ornamented with mythical beasts in garden settings. A chimera (qilin) stands beside an ingot and a flaming pearl while a fantastic lion clutches in its mouth and claws a ribbon that is fastened to a coin. This imaginative design was highlighted with meticulously applied paper-thin sheets of brass within the outlines of the expertly engraved design.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 晚明清初　白錫點銅筆架
  • Title: Mountain-form brush rest with mythical beasts
  • Period: Late Ming (1368–1644)–early Qing (1644–1911) dynasty
  • Date: 17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Pewter, brass
  • Dimensions: H. 5 9/16 in. (14.1 cm); W. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2023
  • Object Number: 2023.374
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land (Sukhavati), Distemper with gold on cloth, Central Tibet
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Brush holder decorated with garden scene, Bamboo, China
Brush holder decorated with garden scene
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Buddhist Deity, Ushnishavijaya (Zun Sheng fo mu), Gilt brass; lost-wax cast, China
Buddhist Deity, Ushnishavijaya (Zun Sheng fo mu)
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late 17th–18th century
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