A pair of turquoise brush washers modelled as Budai.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

These two brush washers once again illustrate the broad range encompassed by scholar’s accessories. Intended to hold the water required for washing brushes, they belong to the world of calligraphy and ink painting.

Here, the two Budai are represented with their arms outstretched, encircling the receptacle intended to hold the water. The base is unglazed. Budai (布袋), literally ‘cloth sack’, refers to a semi-legendary Chinese monk who lived between the late 9th and early 10th centuries. He is often represented with a large cloth sack (budai), frequently carried over the shoulder or placed behind the figure, a rosary, sometimes a pilgrim’s staff, as well as a largely exposed belly.

This iconography associates him with abundance, joy and benevolence.

From the 17th century onwards, porcelain figures of Budai were exported to Europe, where they became

BIBLIOGRAPHY :

For an identical pair of brush washers, see:

– La collection de porcelaine chinoise de Marie Vergottis – The Chinese Porcelain Collection of Marie Vergottis, John Ayers, 2004, figs. 169/170, p. 150.

PROVENANCE :

– Pierre Saqué, Paris

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