Chinese scholar's carved ivory brush pots

Chinese scholar's brush pots, also known as brush holders, are decorative containers used to hold writing brushes. They have a long history in Chinese art and culture, dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD).

The earliest brush pots were made of jade or other precious materials, and were typically used by members of the imperial court or wealthy scholars. During the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD), brush pots became more widely used by scholars and artists, and were often made of porcelain, lacquer, or wood.

In the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the art of brush pot more... making reached its peak, with many elaborate and ornate examples being produced. These brush pots were often decorated with intricate designs, including landscapes, figures, and calligraphy.

During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 AD), brush pots continued to be produced, but the style became more restrained and refined. Qing dynasty brush pots were often made of hardwoods such as rosewood or ebony, and were highly polished to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

Chinese scholar's brush pots are highly valued as works of art. They continue to be produced today by skilled artisans who carry on the traditional techniques and styles of earlier periods. The brush pots not only served a functional purpose but also reflected the owner's appreciation of beauty, art and culture, and their status as a scholar. less...

Ivory is a hard, white material obtained from the tusks of elephants, walruses, narwhals, and other animals. It has been prized for centuries for its beauty, durability, and rarity, and has been used extensively in decorative arts in Western and Oriental cultures from the 18th to the 20th centuries.

In Western cultures during the 18th to 20th centuries, ivory continued to be a popular material for creating decorative objects. A few examples of ivory objects from Western cultures during this time period include:

•    toiletry necessaire: A set of toiletry items made of ivory, late 19th century.

•     more... ;ivory chess set: A set of intricately carved ivory chess pieces, created in the 18th century.

•    ivory cane: A walking cane with an ivory handle, often carved with intricate designs or figurines.

In Oriental cultures, ivory continued to be used for decorative arts during the 18th to 20th centuries. Just a few examples of ivory objects from Oriental cultures during this time period include:

•    Japanese okimono: A small ivory figurine depicting scenes from everyday life in Japan.

•    Chinese ivory puzzle ball: A series of carved, nested spheres made of ivory, often featuring intricate carvings and designs.

•    Cantonese ivory chess set: A set of intricately carved ivory chess pieces made in the 19th century in Canton, China.

It is important to note that the use of ivory in decorative arts has been controversial due to the impact on elephant populations. Many countries have implemented restrictions on the trade of ivory in order to protect endangered elephant populations. For example, in the United States, it is illegal to import, export, buy, or sell elephant ivory with limited exceptions for antiques and certain musical instruments. The European Union has also banned the trade in ivory within its member states, with exceptions for some antique items. The restrictions on the trade of ivory aim to protect endangered elephant populations and prevent illegal poaching and trafficking of ivory. less...