Burled Brush Pot

During the late Ming and Qing dynasties the intellectual elite of southern China appreciated guai (unusual) formations of trees and rocks. Owning a rustic, naturally contoured brush pot—like this one—demonstrated their reverence for the natural world. Many scholars preferred to furnish their studios with scholars' stones or calligraphy brushes made from rustic or burled wood. We find it ideal for organizing today's versions of brushes—pens and pencils, or even an interesting container for an orchid.