2. Iconography:
Brush and Bushel Measure: The brush Kuixing holds is a direct reference to literary pursuits and scholarly achievements, while the bushel measure symbolizes the accumulation of knowledge and merits.
Dragon and Waves: The dragon emerging from the waves is a powerful symbol of strength, transformation, and ascension. The waves and the dragon combined evoke the challenges and triumphs that come with scholarly success.
Prunus Tree and Rocks: Prunus (plum) blossoms are often associated with perseverance and purity, blooming in the harsh winter, symbolizing resilience and strength in adversity. Rocks signify stability and endurance, grounding the dynamic scene.
3. Poem:
The four-line poem inscribed on the brush pot enhances its cultural and artistic value. The poem is full of rich imagery:
Nine Heavens filled with clouds and mist: Suggests vastness and the ethereal nature of scholarly pursuits.
Great bear holding ten thousand measures of pearls: Could symbolize the constellations (Great Bear or Ursa Major) guiding scholars, with pearls representing wisdom and knowledge.
Hand holding the great treasure and giving peaceful times: Likely refers to the brush and the wisdom it yields, bringing harmony and order.
Feet treading on ten thousand miles of clouds: A metaphor for the scholar’s far-reaching influence and the journey through intellectual and bureaucratic challenges.
4. Provenance:
The brush pot’s provenance adds significant historical and cultural value. It has passed through prestigious collections and dealers, including Spink & Son, Ralph M. Chait Galleries, and Feng-Chun Ma Art Consultancy. Each of these owners and sellers is known for dealing in high-quality and historically important Chinese art.
5. Artistic and Cultural Value:
This brush pot is not just a utilitarian object but a piece of art that reflects the deep reverence for scholarship and the civil service in Chinese culture. The depiction of Kuixing on this brush pot would have been particularly inspiring to a scholar or an aspirant, serving as both a reminder and a symbol of their literary ambitions.
The object, given its detailed depiction, poem, and provenance, represents a high level of craftsmanship and cultural richness, making it a significant piece of Chinese art. Its connection to the theme of scholarly success would have made it an especially prized possession for a scholar or collector with an interest in Chinese literary culture.
