A spinach jade brush washer

Qing dynasty, 18th century
Diameter: 3 ½ in (8.88 cm)
Height: 1 7/8 in (4.7 cm)

A simple yet compelling brush washer carved out of mottled spinach nephrite. The detail of the beautifully carved hermit crab climbing towards the water inside changes what would be a plain piece into a carving that is alive with purpose. The mottled green jade is a great choice that recalls the ponds in which a hermit crab like this one would be found.

Provenance: Peter Kwok, Singapore

Published: Asiantiques, Chinese Works of Art (2009), cat. no. 36

Ref. 858601

SOLD