The present brush rest is an exceptional example of its type, as it is carved from a nearly flawless section of stone. It would likely have been part of a larger scholar's desk set, possibly accompanying various other accoutrements; see, for example, the rock crystal hu-form vase in the Auspicious Treasures for Scholars and Emperors- Selections from the Robert H. Blumenfield Collection; Christie's New York, 22 March 2012, lot 1215.

Suzanne Haney Foster (1943-2015) developed an avid interest and passion for Chinese art at an early age after her father brought a jade carving for her from Asia. Her interests and knowledge continued to grow through traveling and working and she opened her own gallery “East West Gallery” in Pasadena, California in 1978, specializing in Chinese jades and porcelains. As a member of the Board of Trustees of Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, Suzanne Foster travelled to many cities and archeological sites in China and deepened her knowledge in the field. In 1986, Suzanne Foster curated Chinese Jade: The Image from Within, which showcased many jade pieces from the museum and other private collections.