Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
Rare Chinese turquoise 'five peak mountain' brush rest, Kangxi (1662-1722), the biscuit covered with a turquoise glaze; on one side a dragon with qilin-like features including hooves and scaly hide, jumping amongst precious emblems including a cash coin and a scroll, the other side with a carp leaping from the water.
Dimensions:
Width: 11.5cm., height with stand: 11.5cm. (4 1/2in.)
Condition:
The central peak reattached and neatly restored
Notes:
This is rare example of a five peak mountain brush rest. The motif of leaping fish and dragon symbolises perseverance, courage and accomplishment. According to Chinese mythology, a carp that perseveres and successfully swims against the river to leap over the Dragon’s Gate at the top of Longmen is transformed into a mighty dragon. The myth gave rise to the traditional Chinese saying ‘Liyu Tiao Long Men’ 鲤鱼跳龙门 (lit: ‘the carp has leaped through the Dragon Gate’), used when proudly referring to a student who has worked hard and passed a difficult exam, though the odds were against them. The five characters of this well-known expression are alluded to in the five peaks of the brush rest, which would have been prized as an auspicious emblem of scholarly perseverance and excellence.
Your details will not be sold or passed on to any third parties.
Guest & Gray 58 Davies StreetLondonW1K 5LP
Your details will not be sold or passed to a third party.