Brush holder with “Ode to the Pavilion of the Inebriated Old Man” 1600 - 1633

This brush holder, crafted from bamboo and dating back to the early 17th century, is a fine example of Chinese art during the Ming Dynasty. Created by the artist Zhang Xihuang, the intricate design features an engraved scene depicting a landscape with a pavilion nestled amongst the trees. The inscription on the object, "Ode to the Pavilion of the Inebriated Old Man," suggests a connection to the poetic and contemplative nature of Chinese art and philosophy. Today, the brush holder is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.