Brush holder decorated with Hanshan and Shide c. 1644 - 1911

Editor: Here we have a Brush holder decorated with Hanshan and Shide, dating roughly from 1644 to 1911. It’s an intricately carved piece, primarily made of wood. I'm really struck by the simplicity and the way the artist has managed to create so much detail. What initially jumps out at you? Curator: It's amazing, isn't it? To me, the unassuming nature of a brush holder elevates it to more than a simple container; it's a celebration of the written word, or, indeed, artistic expression! Given that the artist chose to depict Hanshan and Shide -- two unconventional Chan Buddhist monks who abandoned monastery life to become hermits -- do you think that there might be any commentary here on societal constraints and freedom? Editor: I hadn't considered that! It definitely adds a layer of rebellion to something that seems purely decorative. Do you see any visual cues that might hint at that interpretation? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the fact that Hanshan is holding the lotus leaf above his head; the traditional association of lotus is with purity, divinity and enlightenment, but here it could be as simple as shelter from the storm - an embracing of imperfection over perfect ideals, don’t you think? Editor: That's a beautiful thought. So, it's not just about the material or function but also the narrative that the carving conveys. Curator: Precisely. It whispers a quiet tale of challenging conventions, celebrating simplicity and maybe even seeing the humour in the everyday chaos. The carving technique emphasizes the inherent grain of the bamboo – a rejection of fussy polish in favor of an honest embrace of nature. Editor: I’ll never look at a brush holder the same way again! Thanks so much for sharing this, Danian! Curator: My pleasure. I learned much more than you know, too!