Writing-Brush Case

This red pine brush holder, decorated with the traditional Korean art of ox-horn inlaying, exhibits an octagonal shape and is notable for the ivory decoration attached to its mouth by sixteen bamboo rivets. The main part of the holder is embellished with images of auspicious animals including the dragon, horned lion (haetae), turtle, and girin, with clouds, flowers, plants and rocks arranged around them. The lower part was made separately and then attached to the body with eight bamboo rivets. The use of brilliant colors and elaborate techniques are also characteristic of such artifacts.