This exquisitely carved bitong, or brush pot, is a masterful example of late Qing or early Republican-era Chinese bamboo craftsmanship. Standing approximately 15 cm tall with a rich, deep chocolate-brown patina deepened by decades of careful handling, the cylindrical vessel is entirely covered in high-relief carving that wraps continuously around its surface like a living tableau. The scenes depict the timeless “Hundred Boys” (bai zi tu 百子图) motif—an auspicious celebration of male progeny and familial prosperity. Dozens of lively boys, rendered with remarkable animation and individuality, frolic among garden fences, lotus ponds, and bamboo groves: some climb playfully over railings, others chase ducks or carry lanterns, while a few fly kites or beat drums in joyful abandon. The carving is exceptionally deep and undercut, creating dramatic shadows that shift with the light and lend the figures an almost three-dimensional vitality. Fine incised lines define facial expressions, flowing robes, and even the texture of feathers and leaves, showcasing the carver’s virtuosity. The interior is smoothly hollowed and darkened from years of holding brushes, and the rim and base are crisply finished, with the foot slightly recessed. Both the quality of the carving and the warm, glossy patina suggest this bitong was not merely a scholar’s tool but a treasured decorative object meant to evoke wishes for numerous sons, scholarly success, and enduring happiness.
Dimension: 5.5" x 5" x h6.5"
Origin: China
Material: Bamboo
Work: natural minor crack marks, patina, and minor chip
USA domestic continental buyers of 48 states pay $30 shipping (buyers of Hawaii, Alaska, US Islands, Florida Keywest, and Canada pays the extra shipping cost). Insurance and handling charges are already included in the shipping cost. In-store pick up is highly welcomed if you are in San Francisco Bay Area. (No charge)
US domestic continental buyer of 48 states pays listed shipping charge. Buyers of Hawaii, Alaska, US Islands, Florida Keywest, and Canada pays the extra shipping cost). Insurance and handling charges are already included in the shipping cost. In store pick up is highly welcomed if you are in San Francisco Bay Area. (No charge)
- We are now shipping to worldwide addresses, the item is sent to a logistic center in KY and shipped from there to the rest of the world
- International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes
- Contact your local authority for questions related to the amount of duties or taxes you will be responsible for
- We ship within five business days of payment, usually sooner
We accept Paypal and all major credit card (Visa, Master, American Express and Discover)
For internatinal customer, the easiest way is to pay by Paypal, we will only ship to Paypal comfimed address.
- In the event that you would like to return your purchase, we allow returns that are processed within the defined return date (the return date is to be found in the return policy/shipping and handling section).
- Please contact us for a return authorization and the return shipping address.
- We advise you to use a reputable courier service when returning your goods. Please pack all returns appropriately.
- Customer May be responsible for round trip shipping.
Damage Claim:
Customer is responsible to report any damage within 7 days after receiving the item. Please take photos for record and send to us. All packing material should be kept for damage claim. We will not be responsible for any damage cost if the demage claim cannot be filed to the insurance company due to customer mistake " did not keep the original packaging material and box"
If you have any question, please contact us via ebay. We usually respond within 10 min during office hour. Monday ~ Sunday (7days 10.00 am till 6.00 pm).
This exquisitely carved bitong, or brush pot, is a masterful example of late Qing or early Republican-era Chinese bamboo craftsmanship. Standing approximately 15 cm tall with a rich, deep chocolate-brown patina deepened by decades of careful handling, the cylindrical vessel is entirely covered in high-relief carving that wraps continuously around its surface like a living tableau. The scenes depict the timeless “Hundred Boys” (bai zi tu 百子图) motif—an auspicious celebration of male progeny and familial prosperity. Dozens of lively boys, rendered with remarkable animation and individuality, frolic among garden fences, lotus ponds, and bamboo groves: some climb playfully over railings, others chase ducks or carry lanterns, while a few fly kites or beat drums in joyful abandon. The carving is exceptionally deep and undercut, creating dramatic shadows that shift with the light and lend the figures an almost three-dimensional vitality. Fine incised lines define facial expressions, flowing robes, and even the texture of feathers and leaves, showcasing the carver’s virtuosity. The interior is smoothly hollowed and darkened from years of holding brushes, and the rim and base are crisply finished, with the foot slightly recessed. Both the quality of the carving and the warm, glossy patina suggest this bitong was not merely a scholar’s tool but a treasured decorative object meant to evoke wishes for numerous sons, scholarly success, and enduring happiness.
Dimension: 5.5" x 5" x h6.5"
Origin: China
Material: Bamboo
Work: natural minor crack marks, patina, and minor chip
USA domestic continental buyers of 48 states pay $30 shipping (buyers of Hawaii, Alaska, US Islands, Florida Keywest, and Canada pays the extra shipping cost). Insurance and handling charges are already included in the shipping cost. In-store pick up is highly welcomed if you are in San Francisco Bay Area. (No charge)
US domestic continental buyer of 48 states pays listed shipping charge. Buyers of Hawaii, Alaska, US Islands, Florida Keywest, and Canada pays the extra shipping cost). Insurance and handling charges are already included in the shipping cost. In store pick up is highly welcomed if you are in San Francisco Bay Area. (No charge)
- We are now shipping to worldwide addresses, the item is sent to a logistic center in KY and shipped from there to the rest of the world
- International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes
- Contact your local authority for questions related to the amount of duties or taxes you will be responsible for
- We ship within five business days of payment, usually sooner
We accept Paypal and all major credit card (Visa, Master, American Express and Discover)
For internatinal customer, the easiest way is to pay by Paypal, we will only ship to Paypal comfimed address.
- In the event that you would like to return your purchase, we allow returns that are processed within the defined return date (the return date is to be found in the return policy/shipping and handling section).
- Please contact us for a return authorization and the return shipping address.
- We advise you to use a reputable courier service when returning your goods. Please pack all returns appropriately.
- Customer May be responsible for round trip shipping.
Damage Claim:
Customer is responsible to report any damage within 7 days after receiving the item. Please take photos for record and send to us. All packing material should be kept for damage claim. We will not be responsible for any damage cost if the demage claim cannot be filed to the insurance company due to customer mistake " did not keep the original packaging material and box"
If you have any question, please contact us via ebay. We usually respond within 10 min during office hour. Monday ~ Sunday (7days 10.00 am till 6.00 pm).