Lot 136. A rare pale green jade quatrelobed 'lotus' shaped brush washer, 17th century; 12cm (4 3/4in) long. Estimate £ 6,000-8,000. Sold for £ 50,062 (€ 55,821). Courtesy Bonhams.

The vessel delicately carved with four fleshy lobed petals with everted rim and pointed leaves, rising from four small shaped feet, the interior crisply carved with four sharp ridges designed to easily clean the brush, the transluscent stone of pale green tone with dark grey-brown striations, huanghuali stand.

Provenance: a Swiss private collection.

Note: Brush washers were important accompaniments to any scholar's desk. They were used to not only clean the brush but to also add water to an inked brush for toning. The sharp edges in the interior of the brush washer was not merely decorative but also utilitarian in allowing the brush to be cleaned against raised ridge and also 'pointed'.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, London, 5 Nov 2020.