Chinese Calligraphy Brush Holder

A bird perches in a thicket of blossoms, and all of it is carved from one block.

This calligraphy brush holder is from China and dates to the early 20th century. Brush holders and pots were a staple of the scholar's desk, and they were often carved with flowers, birds and landscapes. The body of this one is shaped like a tall cut trunk, pierced and carved through with plum blossoms, a long-tailed bird and tiny round openings. A curved rest or horn rises at the side. The stone is banded in grey, brown and cream, and it sits on an oval footed base. It is 6.5 inches wide and 5 high.

Brushes were presumably very comfortable here.