Brushpot carved in naturalistic style
Ming early Qing dynasty, 17th century
Huanghuali
Height 10”, Depth 12 1/8”
Fashioned from a large, well figured piece of huanghuali, this brush holder is carved overall with bumpy knots and gouges to simulate the gnarled surface of an actual tree trunk. Rustic furniture and objects carved in imitation of natural forms appealed greatly to literati taste. Founded on Daoist principles, the evocation of nature be it through contorted garden rocks, rootwood furnishings or naturally sculpted objects like this, was an important expression of a refined scholarly aesthetic and humble attitude. Over a foot in diameter, this brushholder is distinguished by its impressive dimensions, and quality of material. It has a single six-inch diameter plug in the bottom.