Extremely Rare 19th century Bone-Handled Chinese Calligrapher's Brush with Erotic Scenes

*This item will only be shipped to domestic (Australian) addresses.

Traditionally, fine brushes were hung up for display in a gentleman's study. However, while this brush is certainly of excellent quality, we suspect that this was kept strictly for private purposes only. 

This lovely antique calligrapher’s brush has a handle carved from bone, with four carefully carved panels depicting an erotic scene. Much like the pillow book style popular in Japanese culture, Chinese erotic art served to entertain and edify. However, compared to Japanese Shunga, Chinese examples are extremely rare due to multiple reasons such as the Cultural Revolution. One can only imagine the scholar who had this in their private collection.

The bristles are of good quality, most  likely horsehair. 

In very good condition with wear commensurate with age. One small chip to to the upper left of one panel as pictured, and traces of old glue to another panel, all as pictured.

Still excellent for display, we would not recommend using due to loose bristles due to age. 

Measurements: Total length of larger brush approximately 54 cm. 

Diameter of brush handle approximately 3 cm.