Lot 3087. A rare Ming carved cinnabar lacquer brush and cover, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century; 7 11/16 in. (19.5 cm) long. Estimate HKD 60,000 - HKD 80,000. Price Realized HKD 56,250. © Christie's Images Ltd. 2010

The cylindrical shaft delicately carved in deep relief with a Daoist monk holding a brush in his hand under a pine tree, his attendant holding a scroll for his master to write upon, reserved on a geometric oblong ground, the cover and the end of the brush finely decorated with river scenes of ducks swimming amongst flowering lotus, on an incised wave ground, the roundel to each end decorated with flower-head motif, Japanese wood box.

Provenance: A Japanese private collection.

Note: Compare the red lacquer brush dated to the 15th century, of the same cylindrical shape and land diaper, similarly carved with figural scene, included in the joint exhibition by the Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Art Gallery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Hong Kong, 1993, p.108, no. 52. See, also, two related red lacquer brushes carved with figural scenes, dated to the Ming dynasty, illustrated in The Four Treasures of the Study - Inksticks and Writing Brushes, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. 49, Hong Kong, 2005, no. 121.