Chinese Brush Rest with Ram and Ruyi Motifs

Two rams recline back to back and hold a very still pose.

Chinese carvers made this brush rest in jade, and the record dates it to the 19th century or earlier. Brush rests belong to the scholar’s desk, where they commonly held a loaded brush between strokes. Two rams lie facing outward, heads turned back with curled horns, joined by a central ruyi, the scepter-like motif of good wishes. The stone is a pale celadon green with gentle cloudy variation and a soft, polished surface.

About 4 inches wide. A small thing for a desk, built to hold a pause.