22,854  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY 36  ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAY NEW ARRIVALS
ID #SA1178313
FOR SALE
£425
Email
Save
Buffalo Horn Scholar’s Brush Washer, Late Qing / Early Republic, C.1880
Ritas Bazaar
for sale €497     $540
£425

Ritas Bazaar

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealers Stock Page
Id #SA1178313
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Buffalo Horn Scholar’s Brush Washer, Late Qing / Early Republic, C.1880

19th century
For Sale by Ritas Bazaar
Description

An elegant brush washer in solid buffalo horn, turned to a poised, expanding profile with a thick rounded lip. The natural optical depth of horn gives a honey-amber translucency at the rim against a darker core; fine longitudinal fibres and tiny natural pores confirm the material and period use. A neatly cut square studio seal to the base likely reads ???? (“Auspicious Zen Studio”), aligning the piece with literati culture and the “pure form” tradition — proportion, touch and material, without added carving or gilt.

Measurements

Height: 6.2 cm / 2.44?

Rim diameter: 10.2 cm / 4.02?

Weight: 263 g

Condition

Very good antique condition: even old polish with light desk-use scratches only; no visible cracks or chips. A genuine working utensil with excellent hand feel and presence.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Professional packaging and careful handling.

We use recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description. Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions
Height
6.2cm (2.44")
Width
10.2cm (4.02")
Depth
10.2cm (4.02")
Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Buffalo Horn Brush Washer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1178313
Dealers Internal Reference
B1507
Description
An elegant brush washer in solid buffalo horn, turned to a poised, expanding profile with a thick rounded lip.
The natural optical depth of horn gives a honey-amber translucency at the rim against a darker core; fine longitudinal fibres and tiny natural pores confirm the material and period use.
Ritas Bazaar

A neatly cut square studio seal to the base likely reads ???? (“Auspicious Zen Studio”), aligning the piece with literati culture and the “pure form” tradition — proportion, touch and material, without added carving or gilt.

fig 1. A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture.
fig 1. Buffalo Horn Scholar’s Brush Washer, Late Qing / Early Republic, C.1880

Measurements

Height: 6.2 cm / 2.44?

Rim diameter: 10.2 cm / 4.02?

Weight: 263 g

Condition

Very good antique condition: even old polish with light desk-use scratches only; no visible cracks or chips. A genuine working utensil with excellent hand feel and presence.

fig 2. A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture.
fig 2. Buffalo Horn Scholar’s Brush Washer, Late Qing / Early Republic, C.1880

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Professional packaging and careful handling.

We use recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description. Questions are welcome.

Height
6.2cm (2.44")
Width
10.2cm (4.02")
Depth
10.2cm (4.02")
Date of Manufacture

Ritas Bazaar has dated this Buffalo Horn Brush Washer to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1178313
Dealers Internal Ref
B1507
Ritas Bazaar
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Ritas Bazaar Profile Page

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture.
1 / 7
Archive I A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture.

Buffalo Horn Scholar’s Brush Washer, Late Qing / Early Republic, C.1880

Archive II A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture. View II
Archive III A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture. View III
Archive IV A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture. View IV
Archive V A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture. View V
Archive VI A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture. View VI
Archive VII A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture. View VII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07434 626011
Location
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2025
Items For Sale 223
Items Sold 37
Ritas Bazaar
Verified Since Nov 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2025
For Sale
223
Sold
37
A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture.
Buffalo Horn Scholar’s Brush Washer, Late Qing / Early Republic, c.1880
Ref: SA1178313
A small rounded brown buffalo horn scholar brush washer vessel showcasing a polished exterior with fibrous grain texture.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

A brush washer is a small vessel traditionally placed on a scholars desk in China for rinsing ink from calligraphy and painting brushes. Originating as functional tools, these vessels evolved into revered objects of artistic appreciation during successive imperial dynasties.

Buffalo horn items were hollowed, carved, and polished from natural water buffalo horn, utilising the materials natural fibrous texture and translucent properties. Craftsmen shaped the material according to its natural form and grain to produce simple, organic vessels.

Authentic antique horn objects feature distinct hair-like fibrous grain, natural colour variation, and subtle signs of aging such as smooth wear around the rim. Hand-carving marks and an irregular density under light help distinguish genuine period pieces from synthetic reproductions.

Scholars objects function as refined accents on modern office desks, bookshelves, or console tables alongside dark timber or brass accessories. Their compact form and warm natural texture suit minimalist, collector, or traditional interiors.

Keep buffalo horn items in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight, radiators, and high humidity to prevent drying out or warping. Dust gently with a soft dry microfibre cloth and avoid water or harsh chemical detergents.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Movements
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Freshness
Online Payments
Categories