Examples of Objects on Display

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  INK BRUSH

  Red lacquer with pommel scroll design

  Early Ming dynasty
  Total length: 25.2 cm
  

  This brush has a rather thick handle coated with multiple layers of red, yellow and black lacquer and pommel scroll pattern is carved into the lacquer. A repetitive pommel scroll (known as guri in Japanese) pattern is carved from the brush cap through the handle, with some unconstrained variation at the end of the handle. The slightly constricted center of the handle enables the user to hold the brush comfortably. The deeply carved, powerful expression of the motif retains the atmosphere of a Yuan-dynasty work.

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  INK STICKS IN THE FORM OF A PAIR OF FISH-SHAPED TALLIES

  by Fang Yulu

  End of the Ming dynasty
  Maximum width: 3.5 cm　
  Maximum length: 7.9 cm
  

  Fish shape was one of the common forms used for tallies. The two fish exactly match each other and their surfaces partly display traces of colors. The realistic representation and the lacquer-like smooth texture enhance their dignified appearances. The dorsal fins and the reverse sides bear the name of the maker and three verses from the poem of the Han period "I Watered My Horse at the Long Wall Caves", which depicts the hardships of a man suffering harsh labor and the grief of his wife who had been parted by her husband. Fang Yulu is one of the leading ink maker of the Ming dynasty and is known for his notable writing "Fangshi Mopu"（Master Fang’s Ink Manual, 1588）.

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  INKSTONE IN THE SHAPE OF A BAMBOO NODE (Zhu jie yan)

  Duan stone

  Early Qing dynasty
  Length: 17.7 cm
  Width: 7.6 cm
  Thickness: 2.7 cm
  

  This inkstone, in the shape of a bamboo node vertically cut in half, utilizes the natural form of the stone. The fibers on the cut ends of the bamboo, the tiny shoot and nodes are delicately represented. The well and plain bear distinct white marks known as "fish brain freeze", and the whole surface has a silky, smooth texture, which are characteristics of Duan stones. On the underside is a carved inscription of four names of the literati of the Qing dynasty, including Wu Chuqi.