A fine and unusual zitan brushpot Late Ming Dynasty

of cylindrical form, the exterior inlaid with silver wire in precise detail decorated with leafy stems, peony and magnolia flowers, a rocky surface below, butterflies flying above, the rim decorated with a keyfret border, the wood of a rich dark brown colour   

The technique of silver wire inlay was first developed during the 16^th century and is occasionally encountered on brushpots of the period. The design on the present example, with butterflies fluttering above flowering peony, is characteristic of the early Qing dynasty and frequently appears in various media, including blue and white and famille-rose porcelain.