Carved, Vintage Japanese Crystal Brush Rest in the Form of Mt. Fuji on Rosewood Base

Dimensions: Crystal- 5-0”L x 1-1/8”w x 1-7/8”H; Stand- 6-3/8”L x 1-5/8”W x 5/8”H

This fine three-dimensional brush rest, (Fude-oki), is hand carved from Rock Crystal and in the form of Mount Fuji with life-like details, and very Zen, (inspiring meditation and intuition), while celebrating the natural inclusions of the crystal from which it is carved. The crystal, (representing the snow-topped mountain), sits beautifully on a detail carved rosewood stand, suggesting the base of the mountain, and made to conform to the crystal base. Together they afford the piece functionality and an elegant representation of this treasured cultural and spiritual symbol of Japan. Such a piece seldom survives and a true collectors find. Calligraphy pieces such as these were most likely used by Japanese scholars or sumi-e artists of the time. The woodblock of Mt. Fuji is not included and only for illustrative purposes.

Vintage Condition: Excellent and all intact and comes with its original rosewood and silver tray. “As is” and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear or structural damage noted. 

NOTE: The Japanese calligraphy, (Shodo), is one of the most popular fine arts of Japan. Specialists in the Japanese culture find value in the Japanese philosophy of perfection, attention to detail and creatively, capturing the inner beauty of everything produced. This beautiful rest emphasizes an artistic philosophy of total togetherness of body and mind. To mark this treasured link to intimacy, the Japanese have a strange, centuries-old custom: brushes and brush rests are often buried in a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. The basis for this is that the Japanese believe Shodo artifacts have their own life and soul, and the scholar watches over their spirit in order to ensure their benevolence.