Arm Rest

W50xL180xH50mm, China

Any guess of what this piece of bamboo is for?

You probably have one of those ergonomic mouse pad with a gel support at the wrist?  Well, this is the traditional waist rest for Chinese calligraphy, not only does it support the arm, it also prevents the ink from rubbing onto the sleeves and the perspiration of the hand from making the paper moist.  This member of the stationary is called a “Bi Ge”, arm rest.  The name “Bi Ge” apparently came from the imperial chamber for secret books, also pronounced as “Bi Ge”.

Now for the second surprise, the material of this Bi Ge is not bamboo but ceramic!