Underglaze-red Brush Holder with Design of Butterfly and Flower

The exterior of the brushholder is decorated with two main groups of motifs. The rocks, chrysanthemums, peonies and butterflies form a rebus that predicts an auspicious outcome of passing the civil service examinations. The other group of images centers on a magpie perching on a plum tree, which symbolizes happiness. This brushholder has a solid shape, even glaze, with the slightly under-developed red glaze actually adding to the appeal of the vessel.