Item Report
Chinese Carved Bone Dragon Brush Holder
中国龙形雕刻骨制笔筒
By: unknown
Style: Qing Dynasty Scholar's Object
Origin: China
Materials: carved bone
Age: Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, circa 1880-1930
Condition: Very Good (some surface wear and minor age-appropriate discoloration)
Value: $150–$400 (auction estimate, if authentic and in good condition)
Maker's Marks / Writing: No visible maker's marks or inscriptions.
Date: 2025-06-03 18:35:55.810968
Description:
This is a carved bone brush holder, featuring a detailed depiction of a Chinese dragon entwined around the body. The carving is deeply incised, showcasing skilled craftsmanship with attention to the dragon's scales and features. The lower section features engraved landscape motifs. Such brush holders were typically used by scholars in traditional Chinese culture. 这是一件雕刻精美的骨制笔筒，主体部分展现出一条中国龙盘绕的形象，雕工深刻，鳞片和龙的细节处理得非常精致。下部还有山水图案的刻画。此类笔筒在中国传统文化中多为文人使用的书房用品。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This piece is a good example of late Qing to Republic Period scholar art, demonstrating both decorative appeal and traditional function. While not imperial quality, the work is attractive and well-carved, with natural wear and patina. The imagery and form are typical for scholar’s desk objects of this period. 此件笔筒为晚清至民国时期文房艺术的代表，兼具观赏性与实用性。虽非宫廷精品，但雕刻生动，品相良好，表面可见自然包浆和磨损，图案及造型符合该时期文房用品的特征。
Individual Images:
- The close-up details reveal deep hand-carving in the dragon scales and well-defined features
- with the patina indicating age. The presence of minor surface cracks and some wear are consistent with age. The engraved landscape motifs at the base add further decorative and period-appropriate value.
Provenance:
No provenance information provided.
Condition:
Very Good (some surface wear and minor age-appropriate discoloration)
Identification Score: 95%
The object’s iconography, carving style, and patina are highly consistent with Chinese bone brush holders from the late 19th to early 20th century. 该物件的图案、雕刻风格和包浆均高度符合19世纪末至20世纪初中国骨制笔筒的特点。
Authenticity Score: 85%
The carving and light surface wear suggest period authenticity, though bone objects from this era are occasionally replicated. No obvious signs of recent manufacture are evident. 雕刻和表面磨损呈现出时代特征，基本可以判断为老件，但此类年代骨雕也有少量仿制品流通，目前未发现明显后制迹象。
Image Memory Note
Keywords
Chinese, Qing Dynasty, Republic Period, scholar's object, brush holder, carved bone, dragon motif 中国，清代，民国，文房用具，笔筒，骨雕，龙纹
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