A carved sculpture with 4 mokeys and 3 compartments
The 3 compartments serve specific functional roles in Chinese scholar studios
The large tall central urn acts as a brush pot (Bi Tong) to hold calligraphy brushes, while the two lower, shallower basins serve as brush washers (Bi Xi) or inkwells to clean tips and hold ink slurry
In Chinese culture, the monkey (Hou) is a highly auspicious zodiac animal. It represents cleverness, agility, and a wish for high official rank
Total weight of 2,1 kg
20th century craftmanship