Antique Chinese Carved Bamboo Brush Pot Bitong late 19th/early 20th C

A nice large cylindrical bamboo brush pot with deep carvings including a nice deep carving of a large banana plant. The design is well balanced and well executed.

A large segment of bamboo has been hollowed out and carved on the outer surface with a design of two men in a garden with bananas or plantains. Mountains rise in the distance with a river in the foreground. The whole design is framed in a wavy border. The carving on the figures and objects is deep and well rounded. The carving has two finishes. One is more polished than the other. The color of the bamboo has a nice rich golden patina from age, and it feels very smooth and soft.

There are no marks or labels.

MEASUREMENTS

7 1/8” (18.1 cm) tall x 4 5/8” (11.7 cm) diameter. Weighs 14.0 oz (395 g)

CONDITION  

The bamboo has cracks from age. There are two large cracks at the back. One comes from the top and almost meets one coming from the base. There are numerous smaller cracks around the rest of the brush pot. There is discoloration from wear around the base of the brush pot. Near the big crack at the back top of the pot is a square lighter area that may have had a sticky tag, that when removed left a lighter spot. There are light scratches near the edge of the top banana.  The brush pot has a good aged, rich look. It definitely has age.

A nice old brush pot with a great design, look and a strong presence.