Item Report
Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Bone Dragon Brush Holder
清代雕龙骨笔筒
By: Unknown
Style: Qing Dynasty Scholar’s Object
Origin: China
Materials: Carved bone (or possibly antique faux-ivory)
Age: circa 1880-1920
Condition: Good (visible patina, some surface wear, no major cracks visible)
Value: $250-$500 (auction liquidation estimate)
Maker's Marks / Writing: No maker’s mark or inscription visible.
Date: 2025-06-03 18:36:07.856077
Description:
This is a beautifully carved brush holder most likely from the late Qing Dynasty (circa late 19th to early 20th century). The object features a high-relief dragon motif wrapped around the cylindrical form, symbolizing power and authority in Chinese culture. The bottom band shows engraved landscape and house motifs, typical of scholar’s objects. The material appears to be bone or possibly antique faux-ivory, with evidence of natural aging, patina, and hand-tool marks, especially in the detailed scales and openwork carving. 这是一个雕工精致的笔筒，很可能来自清朝晚期（约19世纪末至20世纪初）。器物表面高浮雕雕刻盘旋的龙纹，象征着中国文化中的权力与威严。底部带有刻画的山水和房屋图案，为文房用具常见装饰题材。材质似为骨质或仿古象牙，表面有自然包浆与年代痕迹，龙鳞的细腻雕工及镂空处理均显示手工雕刻的工艺。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A decorative and collectible example of late Qing scholar’s art. The carving quality and dragon motif are strong indicators of genuine period work, though the material and wear should be closely inspected for confirmation. Such items were functional and also served as status symbols among Chinese literati. 这是一件晚清文房艺术的装饰与收藏佳品。雕刻工艺及龙纹装饰显示了清末时期的典型特征，但建议对材质及使用磨损做进一步仔细鉴别。这类器物既实用又是文人身份的象征。
Individual Images:
- No additional detail images were provided. The visible main image showcases both the overall carving and engraved detailing on the base
- which seem to be in good condition with typical age-related wear.
Provenance:
No provenance documentation provided.
Condition:
Good (visible patina, some surface wear, no major cracks visible)
Identification Score: 92%
The form, motif, and carving technique are highly consistent with late Qing Dynasty brush holders. The dragon and landscape motifs, hand-tool marks, and patina further aid confident identification. 器物造型、纹饰和雕刻工艺与晚清笔筒极为吻合。龙纹、山水刻痕、手工痕迹与包浆进一步增强了辨识信心。
Authenticity Score: 77%
Patina and wear are convincing and indicative of genuine age, but the material could be either bone or a convincing antique imitation. Without lab analysis or in-hand inspection, a degree of caution is prudent. 包浆与磨损真实，显示一定年代感，但材质可能为骨质或仿古材料。受限于照片，无法做出百分百确定，因此建议谨慎对待。
Image Memory Note
Keywords
Chinese, Qing Dynasty, carved bone, brush holder, scholar's object, dragon motif, antique 中国, 清代, 雕骨, 笔筒, 文房用具, 龙纹, 古董
Comparables (Similar Items)
No archived comparables matched this report yet.
Share: