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I recently acquired this Lilliputian Chinese brush pot (3.25 inches high X 2.125 inches across sides) and hope to confirm my translation of information etched into its base, as well as to get other thoughts on age.

It appears to be a gift for a scholar or scholar-aspirant on the occasion of examinations, either impending of just completed. Since the Examination System was abolished in 1905, I think the piece may be as old as late Qing, but since admiration for scholarly achievement didn't go out of style with the exam system, it may be Republic to mid-20th century.

The etched cursive characters on the base could have been added at just about any time by the person who received it as a gift or by a later owner. I believe the characters may be translated as follows:

升鸠 - From right as "Jiu Sheng" - "Gathered Promotions"

禄寿双全 - From the top down as "Lu Shou Shuang Quan - "Emoluments and Longevity, both (a pair) Completed"

As usual, I'm open to all suggestions and corrections.

Much obliged,

Bill H.

Lovely brushpot! Your transcription and translation looks good to me, though the final two characters would make more sense as "...both in full" (since when longevity ends, you die)

Rat, much obliged for the comments. "Full" is just the word I was searching for but ran right past when scanning down the page in my ragged old Mathews Dictionary. Gotta get a copy with bigger print (or replace my glasses).

Cheers and thanks,

Bill H.

IMHO, Guangxu period 20th century.

Jonathan, much appreciate your vote.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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