Antique Chinese hand-carved ivory Brush Pot, with filigreed latticework.

Hand-carved ivory Chinese Brush Pot from the latter part of the 19th Century. Such exquisite and delicate attention to fine detail yields a very fine creation, whose beauty is not significantly impaired by the unfortunate chips in the base of the latticework (clearly visible in multiple photos, above). This piece can easily be positioned on a display shelf so as to conceal the defect. Filigree pieces such as this one are becoming exceedingly rare to purchase online. I have had this item for about two years, in a smoke-free home. The piece is sturdy, despite the chip, and could easily tolerate the rigors of serving as a pen and pencil holder, or similar such function.