THREE JADE-HANDLED BRUSHES.

20th century, China. Nephrite: dense forest green. Cap: bright green malachite. Among the most prized possessions of a Chinese scholar are his brushes. Brushes formerly in the possession of famed literati or belonging to one’s esteemed ancestors are particularly cherished by gentlemen. Brushes also were given to a scholar upon a particular auspicious occasion in his life-a sixtieth birthday, perhaps, or a promotion to higher administrative post. Depending on the circumstances of his occupation, a scholar might need a wide repertoire of brush types, with differing hair types and configurations, handle materials, and sizes. These three heavy brushes, with their relatively wide handles and particular types of animal hair assemblage, would have been intended for larger-scale writing or painting, and because of its precious material, was probably made for presentation. The longest one, which is uninscribed, has an incised to low-relief design of a dragon and phoenix flying in clouds above waves with rocks; the brush of middle length has a single incised dragon; while the shortest brush, which has a cupped termination, has no design apart from the double inscription. Auspicious calligraphic inscriptions and symbolic decor are typically paired on later jade brushes. (Foster, p. 66, #136; Ip, pp. 286-87, #267-9;SPBNY 2/28/80, #228). Some brushes have a knob or attached cord at the top from which the brushes can be suspended in a rack, but these examples have identical, bright green malachite caps instead. The hairs of the brushes have been prepared for use (its glue binders dissolved), although it would appear that none has actually not been used. Reference: The Yangtze River Collection, Later Chinese Jades published by Helga Wall-Apelt, 1993. SIZE: Hardstone materials only, not including hairs. Longest brush: 14.75″ (37.5 cm). Middle brush: 13″ (33 cm). Shortest brush with capped holder 12.38″ (31.4 cm). PROVENANCE: The Personal Collection of Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt. CONDITION: Very good. 47671-27, 9-94927, 9-94928, (2,000-4,000) – Lot 3134

Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2016

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3134	$1,185.00	THREE JADE-HANDLED BRUSHES. 20th century, China. Nephrite: dense forest green. Cap: bright green malachite. Among the most prized possessions of a Chinese scholar are his brushes. Brushes formerly in the possession of famed literati or belonging to one’s esteemed ancestors are particularly cherished by gentlemen. Brushes also were given to a scholar upon a particular auspicious occasion in his life-a sixtieth birthday, perhaps, or a promotion to higher administrative post. Depending on the circumstances of his occupation, a scholar might need a wide repertoire of brush types, with differing hair types and configurations, handle materials, and sizes. These three heavy brushes, with their relatively wide handles and particular types of animal hair assemblage, would have been intended for larger-scale writing or painting, and because of its precious material, was probably made for presentation. The longest one, which is uninscribed, has an incised to low-relief design of a dragon and phoenix flying in clouds above waves with rocks; the brush of middle length has a single incised dragon; while the shortest brush, which has a cupped termination, has no design apart from the double inscription. Auspicious calligraphic inscriptions and symbolic decor are typically paired on later jade brushes. (Foster, p. 66, #136; Ip, pp. 286-87, #267-9;SPBNY 2/28/80, #228). Some brushes have a knob or attached cord at the top from which the brushes can be suspended in a rack, but these examples have identical, bright green malachite caps instead. The hairs of the brushes have been prepared for use (its glue binders dissolved), although it would appear that none has actually not been used. Reference: The Yangtze River Collection, Later Chinese Jades published by Helga Wall-Apelt, 1993. SIZE: Hardstone materials only, not including hairs. Longest brush: 14.75″ (37.5 cm). Middle brush: 13″ (33 cm). Shortest brush with capped holder 12.38″ (31.4 cm). PROVENANCE: The Personal Collection of Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt. CONDITION: Very good. 47671-27, 9-94927, 9-94928, (2,000-4,000) – Lot 3134 Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2016 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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THREE JADE-HANDLED BRUSHES.