Chinese Porcelain

A 19TH CENTURY CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN ...

A rare and well-preserved example of 19TH CENTURY from circa 1880, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

A fine 19th-century Chinese Famille Rose (fencai) porcelain brush pot (Bitong) of cylindrical form. This piece features a vibrant, hand-painted narrative scene depicting a high-ranking official or scholar in a studio setting, surrounded by attendants and symbolic scholarly objects. circa 1880\n\nIconography & Decoration\nThe Scene: The central figure is an official seated at a desk, wearing a green robe with a gilded rank badge. He is attended by a servant offering tea and a military guard holding a ceremonial polearm.\nThe Scholar's Table: Detailed depiction of the ''Four Treasures of the Study,'' including a brush pot filled with scrolls and an inkstone.\nSymbolism: A separate vignette features a blooming lotus in a tripod censer, symbolizing purity and integrity.\nPalette: Executed in the classic late Qing palette with iron-red, translucent greens, yellow, and highlights of gold leaf.\n\nCondition Report\nGlaze & Enamel: The enamels remain bright. There is expected age-...related wear to the gilding and minor surface pitting/iron spots consistent with 19th-century production.\nStructure: No visible cracks or chips\nBase: The unglazed base shows a characteristic ''chattered'' potting texture and orange oxidation from the kiln firing.

— Details

Reference

SA1195689

Origin

circa 1880

Period

19TH CENTURY

Dimensions

H 12.5cm

Provenance

The G S May Esquire Private Collection, London

Condition

Excellent — see description