Zitan Scholar's Objects

A Zitan Cylindrical Brushpot, 20th Century Of plain form, the dark wood with even patina. Dimension: Height: 13.5 cm Diameter: 12.5 cm Provenance: Private New South Wales Collection.

Surprisingly contemporary in its simplicity, this wooden tray, carved over 150 years ago, exploits the natural beauty of zitan, a prized hardwood from the forests of Northern China. ...

A Chinese "ruyi" scepter of zitan wood with inset carved jade plaques featuring the "jixiang ba bao". The ruyi, (lit. "as you wish") has long been a symbol of power and authority in China. Originally a Buddhist religious emblem, the ruyi was seen as a symbol of the Buddha's or bodhisattvas' (and by extension their temporal representatives') ability to grant boons or wishes. In the Song Dynasty (960-1276), the ruyi was adopted by the literati as a kind of "talking stick", and came to symbolize authority in discussion and debate. The ruyi was finally co-opted by the politicos in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and turned into a luxurious expression of power and wealth. This particular example is crafted from zitan wood and features three inset carved jade plaques. Zitan (lit. purple sandalwood) is a tropical hardwood that has long been revered as the most desirable hardwood in the Chinese furniture making tradition. The jade is of very pale celadon, bordering on white, with an even hue and translucency throughout. The carving features one large stylized "Xi" (happiness) character, and the "Jixiang Ba Bao" (Eight Auspicious Symbols) - the treasure vase...