Brush Rest In Arita Porcelain, Kakiemon Kilns. Japan, Late 17th Century.

Charming brush rest, depicting a young Chinese boy lying down. Hard-paste porcelain from Kyushu, glazed in the Kakiemon kilns near Arita, Japan, late 17th century. It is an amusing object that also acts as a whistle, the air being blown through a slit under the feet and exiting through a hole at the shins. These little characters were produced in large quantities and must have served more often as an amusing object as a whistle, rather than as a brush rest. They were created from the end of the 17th century and their manufacture lasted more than a hundred years. If all have the same shape because they are executed by molding, the quality of the enameling classifies them into several categories. Similarly, the one presented here has benefited from a finishing chisel to release and accentuate the details. Good condition, some wear from use. No cracks or repairs. The whistle works well. Length: 73mm