Antique Rare Chinese Wrist Rest Silk Auspicious Hand Embroidered Scholar Pillow For Sale

For your consideration is an exceptional, authentic museum-quality Chinese Scholarly Silk Embroidered Wrist Rest (Armrest/Pillow) dating from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic period (circa 1900–1930). This highly refined, completely hand-crafted object was designed for a literati scholar's desk to support the wrist or arm during intense sessions of calligraphy or ink-wash painting.

Unlike later tourist reproductions, this genuine antique is fully enclosed with a dense, solid organic filling (traditionally grain husks or tea leaves) and features no opening. It retains its magnificent structure, vibrant original dye palette, and comes housed in a beautiful, mid-century protective collection box.

Detailed Six-Side Design & Iconography

This magnificent piece features a complete cycle of classical scholarly wishes, poetry, and floral symbolism across all six faces:

Side 1: The Fortune & Longevity Blessing

• Traditional semi-cursive script (Xingshu) reading "大富貴 亦壽考" (Dà Fù Guì, Yì Shòu Kǎo). Translation: "Great wealth and honor, and also a ripe old age."

• References the famous Tang Dynasty celestial prophecy granted to General Guo Ziyi, symbolizing the perfect balance of worldly success and life fulfillment.

• Features an expertly rendered Orchid (兰花 - Lánhuā) complete with exposed roots, symbolizing humility, quiet nobility, and scholarly virtue.

Side 2: The Tang Dynasty Poem & Seal Mark

• Traditional semi-cursive script reading "風引去來香" (Fēng Yǐn Qù Lái Xiāng). Translation: "The wind pulls the lingering fragrance along." The exact second half of the famous winter poem "Plum Blossom" by the Tang Dynasty statesman Li Qiao.

• Features a gorgeous Plum Blossom (梅花 - Méihuā) branching out from a blue stylized Scholar’s Rock (Taihu Rock). The plum blossom represents moral purity, resilience, and inner strength.

• Artist Mark: Stamped with a brilliant red vermilion "Studio/Mood Seal" (Xianzhang 闲章) in Zhuwen (relief) style directly below the text.

The Two Circular Ends: The Ultimate Greeting

• Left End: Embroidered with "吉安" (Jí Ān), meaning "Auspicious peace."

• Right End: Embroidered in stylized seal script with "如意" (Rú Yì), meaning "As your heart desires."

Combined Meaning: Together, the ends read "吉安如意", a complete traditional wish for safety, health, and total fulfillment.

• The Seamless Closure: The long vertical closure seam is secured with a flawless, completely hidden hand-sewn ladder stitch (blind stitch). It creates a flat, smooth join designed to prevent any discomfort under a calligrapher's wrist.

• The Couching Stitch: The rugged brown stems of both the plum blossom and the orchid are rendered using the highly complex Chinese couching stitch (Qingjin / 𢳆金). A thick foundational thread is wrapped tightly at microscopic intervals with vibrant orange silk thread, creating a brilliant, raised, bark-like texture.

• The Blue Borders: Both ends feature a stylized Mountain Character Border (山字纹 - Shān Zì Wén) stitched in white thread over a royal blue silk band, symbolizing permanence, grounding, and immovable strength.

• Included Companion Presentation Box: The wrist rest is accompanied by its historical 1950s–1970s storage box.

Lid Pattern: Features a striking red-and-white block-printed geometric coin pattern.

• Handwritten Label: Features a paper label with a fluid hand-penned inscription reading “大国阿福” (Dà Guó Ā Fú), translating to "Great Nation’s Ah Fu" (Grand Auspicious Fortune).

Condition Report

Excellent antique condition given its age and textile nature.

• Fabric & Threads: The cream silk body displays stunning luster. Silk embroidery threads remain tight, structural, vibrant, and beautifully intact. Minimal faint age toning/dust marks to the silk cream ground, which adds superb antique character and authenticates its age.

• Structure: Tightly packed, firm, and holds its perfect cylindrical shape flawlessly.

• Box: Displays light vintage storage shelf wear and age tape reinforcement, but remains structurally sound and highly protective.

Measures 3 3/8” inches, about 8.57 cm long by 1” inch, 2.54 cm.

Please review all high-resolution photos provided to evaluate the exact cosmetic condition before offerding/buying.