White Brass Incised Pipe

Finely crafted pipes such as this one were frequently given a place of honor on the desks of Qing-dynasty scholars. These pipes were considered precious and collectible enough to earn a distinguished position amidst the other four treasures of the study: paper, ink, ink stones, and calligraphy brushes. Incised with its place of purchase, this delicate white brass pipe has an elegant sculptural presence, displayed simply on a custom steel mount.