Of deceptively simple form, the carving of this brushwasher is in fact very sophisticted. The craftsman has incorporated the skin at carefully selected areas for maximum aesthetic effect-the rich russet tones contrasting with the deep grey. The stone has been completely hollowed out and undercut, enhancing the function of the lip. Tsang and Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, no. 110, comment "Broad, shallow forms of this type were often used as brushwashers, to clean the brush and to add water to an inked brush for toning. They usually have a lip suitable for 'pointing' and controlling the amount of water left in the brush".