This is a handmade Chinese lacquer pen holder, finished in red-and-gold rhino skin lacquer (Xipi, 犀皮漆) on a solid wood body, from the Chong Series by HFDlacquerware (禾丰鼎). Round and simple in shape, 5.5" across and 5.9" tall, it holds pens and brushes on a writing desk, practical for daily use and distinctive enough to be noticed. In the Chong Series (high relief), the groundwork is built up high before the lacquer goes on, so the pattern rises and falls like terraced fields. Each Chong Series piece takes two to three years to make. The tall, deliberate mounding gives the red and gold sharp, dimensional layers, polished into view only at the very end, so no two pieces are alike. A simple form, bold color: the shape stays quiet so the layers can speak. Also available: see the Yi Series Rhino Skin Pen Holders.