Black Lacquer Calligraphy Brush Cabinet

Characteristically simple and austere, this Qing-dynasty glass cabinet once proudly displayed a scholar’s collection of prized calligraphy brushes. One of the Four Treasures to be found in the studio of a learned sage, brushes were used to create paintings or script calligraphy. Meant to be seen as much as used, such brushes were fashioned with tips made from exotic animal hair, with handles ranging from bamboo to porcelain to precious materials like jade and ivory. Leaf-shaped pulls, scrolled hangers, and painted hooks add just the right of ornamentation to this brush cabinet, which we love filled with jewelry, ornaments, or other artful hangings.