White jade brush-holder ‘Scene of Sages and Landscape’, Qing dynasty

An elegant cylindrical brush-holder, carved in Hetian white jade of uniform tone and velvety texture. The outer surface is richly decorated in high relief with a traditional continuous scene of a group of elderly sages scattered in a natural landscape, flanked by pine trees and rock formations, in what appears to be a garden or spiritual retreat. One of the sages is shown seated in contemplation beneath a tree, while others approach in a respectful attitude, holding objects such as scrolls and staffs. The carving has different levels of relief. The base is marked with a four-character inscription ‘乾隆年製’. Qing dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 11 × 5.5 × 5.5 × 5.5 cm

Weight: 390 g