Porcelain Brush Holder, Bitong

A Fine Powder-Blue Glazed Porcelain Brush Holder, Bitong China, Late 17th–Early 18th Century Attributed to the Kangxi Period

A rare and well-preserved example of Late 17th–Early 18th Century from China, noted for its craftsmanship, material quality, and historical relevance.

A Fine Powder-Blue Glazed Porcelain Brush Holder, Bitong China, Late 17th–Early 18th Century (Attributed) Period: Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi Period (1662–1722) Culture: China Medium: Porcelain with powder-blue glaze (chui qing, Jingdezhen ware) Dimensions: Height: 16 cm (approx. 6 1/4 in.) | Diameter: 18 cm (approx. 7 1/8 in.) Description & Technical Details Of classic stout cylindrical form, the exterior is enveloped in a rich, lustrous powder-blue glaze featuring a dense, variegated cobalt field with deep indigo and blackish micro-clusters resulting from traditional blown-glaze kiln dynamics. The upper interior margin reveals a crisp white border accented by fine fringe cobalt speckling from the bamboo-tube application process. The unglazed base displays clean concentric throwing rings and a neat recessed central medallion enclosing a finely hand-written six-character underglaze blue Kangxi reign mark (Da Qing Kangxi Nian Zhi). Condition Report ​Object: Powder-Blue Glazed Porcelain Brush Holder (Bitong) Overall Condition: Very good / Pristine gallery condition ​Glaze Surface: The rich chui qing (blown-blue) powder-blue glaze is exceptionally well-preserved, maintaining a deep, lustrous gloss and vibrant sapphire depth across the entire cylindrical body. It displays natural, uniform cobalt atomization and authentic iron-spotting breakouts without any appreciable surface abrasion, scratches, or hairline fractures. ​Exterior Residue Note: A minor patch of old adhesive or sticker residue remains visible on the exterior wall from a previous collection label. ​Rim and Interior: The crisp white upper rim is clean, smooth, and entirely free of chips, nibbles, or restoration. The glazed interior is pristine, featuring clean concentric throwing lines and characteristic iron-spotting breakouts. ​Base: The unglazed base exhibits sharp, tactile concentric throwing rings with authentic age-related tonal variation and a circular green collection label for "The G.S. May Esquire Private Collection, London" (numbered 352). The recessed central medallion houses an intact, perfectly preserved six-character underglaze blue Kangxi reign mark (Da Qing Kang Xi Nian Zhi) with clear, crisp cobalt lines bleeding softly into the glaze. ​Restoration: Inspected visually; no signs of cracks, hairlines, chips, or professional restoration under standard lighting. Comparative Provenance & Institutional Benchmarks The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London - Green Label 352 Museum Benchmark: Compare with the powder-blue glazed porcelain brush holder in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Period: Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, 1662–1722; Date: late 17th–early 18th century; Object Number: 2015.500.7.18, Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving). Major Auction Benchmark: Compare with a cylindrical powder-blue brush pot sold at Christie's New York (Centuries of Taste: Legacy of a Private Collection, March 21, 2025, Lot 870) realizing USD $37,800. Compare with a 16 cm Kangxi powder-blue bitong sold at Bonhams London (The Marsh Collection: Art for the Literati, November 3, 2022, Lot 21) achieving £5,100.

— Details

Origin

China

Period

Late 17th–Early 18th Century

Material

Porcelain

Dimensions

16cm x 18cm

Condition

Excellent — see description