Brush and Cover with Figures in a Garden
Late Ming (1368–1644) or early Qing dynasty (1644–1911), 17th century
Medium
Cinnabar lacquer and animal hair with carved decoration
Dimensions
22.7 × 1.9 cm (8 15/16 × 3/4 in.)
Classification
writing implement
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
52289
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of 17th-century China with this exquisite *Brush and Cover with Figures in a Garden*, delicate writing implement from the late Ming (1368–4) or early Qing (1644–1911). Crafted from cinnabar lacquer—a vibrant red resin prized for its durability and luster—and animal hair, this 22.7 × 1.9 cm treasure once served scholars and literati in their of calligraphy, the art elegant brush writing central to Chinese intellectual life. The cover's decoration reveals intricate figures strolling through a lush garden, a motif evoking harmony with nature and leisurely contemplation, hallmarks of elite culture. This carved lacquer technique, known as *qidiaozhu*, demanded layering dozens of lacquer coats over months, then meticulously incising designs to expose colors beneath—a testament to the artisan's patience and skill. Such luxury items were status symbols, blending functionality with artistry during a transitional era of imperial refinement. Today, housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this brush whispers of a bygone scholarly elegance, inviting us to appreciate the fusion of beauty and utility in East Asian craftsmanship.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...