This is a handmade Chinese lacquer begonia pen holder, finished in black, red, and gold rhino skin lacquer (Xipi, 犀皮漆) with red leading the pattern, on a solid Burma padauk (缅甸花梨) body, from the Yi Series by HFDlacquerware (禾丰鼎). Its scalloped rim, shaped like a begonia blossom, softens a simple, functional form. At 6.7" across and 7.1" tall, it holds pens and brushes on a writing desk. In the Yi Series (low relief), the groundwork is built low, so the colors move together as flow rather than dramatic relief. The pattern is built mound by mound, then polished into view, so no two pieces are alike. The begonia has long been a flower of the Chinese scholar's garden. Set on the desk, it keeps one blossom open all year. Also available: see the Black-Toned Begonia Pen Holder, and the Square and Red & Gold Pen Holders in the Yi Series.