Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: A RARE MING BLUE AND WHITE BRUSH HOLDER IN THE FORM OF A TABLE SCREEN, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573 - 1620)
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: A RARE MING BLUE AND WHITE BRUSH HOLDER IN THE FORM OF A TABLE SCREEN, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573 - 1620)
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: A RARE MING BLUE AND WHITE BRUSH HOLDER IN THE FORM OF A TABLE SCREEN, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573 - 1620)
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: A RARE MING BLUE AND WHITE BRUSH HOLDER IN THE FORM OF A TABLE SCREEN, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573 - 1620)
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: A RARE MING BLUE AND WHITE BRUSH HOLDER IN THE FORM OF A TABLE SCREEN, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573 - 1620)
A RARE MING BLUE AND WHITE BRUSH HOLDER IN THE FORM OF A TABLE SCREEN, Ming Dynasty, Wanli Period (1573 - 1620)
Height: 16cm

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The screen is moulded and decorated in shades of bright cobalt-blue to one side with Kui Xing in relief, his scarves billowing in the wind, one foot resting on stars...

Provenance

Henry Potter Stevens Collection no. 41, bought from H.R.N Norton 4th April 1946
Bought from Norton 4/4/46 c/-/- = £ 2
Dr. Stevens price code Price code- B 1/ U/ 2 C/ 3 K/4 I/5 N/6 G/7

Literature

Identified by the writing brush held in his right hand and his iconic 'back-kick' posture, Kui Xing (‘Chief Star’) the Daoist deity was worshipped by all wanting to obtain academic success. This brush pot on a scholar's desk must have given hope of good results. As God of Literature, he was worshipped by candidates to the imperial examinations. Dreaming of Kui Xing the night before the exams was considered an auspicious sign.

 

He is said to have been an historical figure, a poor but brilliant student called Zhong Kui who passed the imperial examinations with high honours. However, because he was ugly, he was not allowed to enter government service. In despair, he drowned himself but was carried by a fish-dragon up to heaven where he became a star ('Xing' in Chinese) of the Great Bear constellation (known in China as the Palace of Literary Genius).


Kui Xing is also the chief star in the Big Dipper constellation.

 

According to Chinese legend, the yellow river carp travelled upstream to overcome the rapids of the Lung-Men (Dragon Gate), where, if they were capable and brave enough to make the final leap over the waterfall, they were magically transformed into glorious dragons. This metaphor relates to the dedication and determination required by students to succeed in passing exams.

 

See a similar blue and white brush stand, Wanli, illustrated by John da Silva, 'Three Types of Chinese Brush Stand', Oriental Art, vol.XXIV, no.3, autumn 1978, p.327, figs.3-5.

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