Treasures of the Chinese scholar - Jing Pei Fang

This work presents detailed commentary on the craftsmanship and motifs of the implements associated with the Chinese scholar's studio. These "treasures" - including brushes, inkstones, waterdroppers, toggles, figurines and scholar's rocks - embody the shared wisdom, traditions and values of the Chinese literati who governed China for more than two millennia. An understanding of the symbolism with which these objects are so artfully embellished is necessary for an understanding of classical Chinese civilization.;Prefaced with four essays, this collection is presented in five thematically grouped sections: ink and brush; animal motifs; figure portrayal; nature symbolism and natural materials; and related scholar objects. These are illustrated with photographs of pieces selected from the Ji Zhen Zhai collection and other noted museum collections. Poems and inscriptions on the pieces are translated and photographs of signatures and other important details are provided.