Five Old Men

This stick was made in 1970s when Chinese Cultural Revolution ended and the traditional brand-names came back. Its surface begins to show the vertical wrinkles which indicate its aging. Part of its brocade box has been worn out by the hands of viewers. The design of the stick is one of traditional styles in Hu Kaiwen's shop. The Chinese on its face reads: “Ink for emperor's use, five old men on the river.” The carving on its back is based on a painting depicting five immortals from whom Yao, the mythical Chinese ruler, was advised upon regulating Yellow River.