Qing Imperial Palace: Brush Holder with Budai

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This bamboo brush holder was created by Wu Zhifan during the rule of Emperor Kangxi (reigned 1661–1722) in the Qing dynasty.
Measuring 17.3 cm high with a diameter of 9.2 cm, the brush holder is cylindrical and stands on four cloud-like legs. The rim and base are inlaid with rosewood, and on one side there is a low relief of monk Budai, while the other side has a poem about him. The wandering barefoot monk has a broad smile, high forehead, round face, and long ears. The right hand holds a stick which rests on his shoulder and has a cloth sack tied to it, while the left hand holds a string of prayer beads. Budai wears a loose-fitting robe with crossed collars, the folds and texture of which are a prominent feature. The poem written in running script refers to Budai’s big belly, smiling eyes, and cloth bag, and points to the bag’s contents in an enigmatic way.
This is one of the best-known works of art by Wu Zhifan. The essence of Budai has been wonderfully captured in both image and poem.