Peach-shaped Brush Washer

Manufacturer Imperial Palace Workshop, Beijing

Place of OriginChina

DateQing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736-1795)

DimensionsH: 1 15/16 in. (5 cm); L: 4 1/8 in. (14.5 cm); W: 5 11/16 in. (10.5 cm)

MediumTransparent purple glass, mold-blown with cut walls.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

2011.10

Not on View

DescriptionIn the shape of a peach or “longevity fruit,” with a tiger and a bat in deep relief.

Label TextUsed to hold water to clean calligraphy brushes, this peach-shaped vessel symbolizes long life. The peach is a symbol of immortality. On the sides are carved a tiger—symbol of strength, and a bat—symbol of luck and joy (the Chinese word for ‘bat” sounds like the word for “good fortune”).Comparative ReferencesSee also An opaque white brush washer in the shape of a longevity peach encircled by a fruiting beach branch is in the collection of Emma Dagan, Los Angeles. Claudia Brown, in A chorus of colors. Chinese glass from Three American Collections. Exhibition, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 1995, p. 84, no. 54.