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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.
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.
Dimensions
Width: 11.5cm., height with stand: 11.5cm. (4 1/2in.)Condition report
The central peak reattached and neatly restoredStock number
W570The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees