Description:

This pot was made to hold brushes, with the tips up to avoid damage, for calligraphy or painting. The carved decoration shows some of the ‘Eight Immortals’ (Buddhist saints) in a paradise landscape. Two of them are playing chess, a popular pastime in China.

Glass, carved overlay
Height: 10.7 cm, diameter: 4.2 cm
Incised four-character mark of Qianlong reign (1736-1795) but later in date

Chinese Description:

八仙纹饰笔筒 中国，清代，约1770-1900 笔筒可供倒放画笔，以免破坏毛笔尖头。这只文具镂刻着身处蓬莱异境的八仙，其中二仙正悠闲的下棋。 玻璃，套料雕刻 刻有「乾隆年制」四字，疑为后人所加

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1770-1900, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4667