Shen Jian
(Chinese
,
1617
-
1675)
Brush Holder with Travelers in Mountain Landscape
mid-17th century
bamboo
5⅞ x 5 x 4¾ in
14.92 x 12.70 x 12.07 cm
Gift of of John C. Maxwell Jr. and Adrienne L. Maxwell
2008.151
Made from a section of bamboo, this brush holder depicts mountain travelers surrounded by ancient pine trees. The signature is that of Shen Jian, a master of the style of bamboo carving from Jiading, near today’s Shanghai. The holder’s dynamic composition and intricate, layered details carved in high relief are characteristic of the Jiading school.