Chinese Carved Agate Lotus Leaf & Crab Brush Washer

Make: Chinese

Age: Early 20th Century

Construction:  Carved Agate

Dimensions:  1 1/2" Tall x 4" Long x 3 1/2" Wide

Condition:  Excellent vintage condition. No apparent chips or cracks. Please see photos. 

Details: A lotus leaf, curled up and in on itself around the edges, holds a small carved crab nestled to one side. On the bottom, a stem curls from the underside up to one side, terminating in a smaller curled leaf.  The artist has made remarkable use of the veins and color variations in the stone, carving veins following the darker veins in the stone. The crab is carved from a lighter outcrop of agate inside the lotus leaf.  Even the edges seem to follow the darker veins of color.  A small fabric label is still attached to the underside.

 A brush washing bowl was an important part of a scholar's desk, as it allowed the scholar to maintain his/her brushes so that the calligraphy was neat and clean, as well as adding a touch of aesthetic beauty.  A well crafted brush washer signified the scholar's refined taste and status. They began to appear in the 7th century.  These vessels were often carved from jade and other precious materials, and were used primarily by wealthy scholars and the Imperial court. The use of less expensive materials, such as porcelain and metal, allowed a greater popularity of the vessel going forward.  The Ming dynasty, from the 14th to the 17th centuries, saw the peak of the art of the brush washer.  Carved agate became more popular from the 17th century, with intricate designs being produced by skilled artisans.  The lotus leaf was a favored design, symbolizing purity and perfection.  The crab symbolizes success and harmony.