A "mirror-black" Brush Pot - China, 18th, Kangxi Period

A porcelain brush pot with a glaze known as ‘Mirror Black’, decorated with gilt flowers.
China, 18th
Kangxi Period (1661-1722)

Height : 12,9cm
Diameter : 10,2cm

For a similar brush pot with almost entirely lost gilt decoration, see:

- Christie's, New York, The Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Part III - Chinese Works of Art: Qing Ceramics, Glass and Jade Carvings, 19 March 2015, lot 445.

- The Palace Museum, Beijing, no. 00088345.

- University of Michigan Museum of Art, Michigan, PG2020.2.66.

Provenance :
- Parisian private collection

The brush pot has a deep, almost velvety black glaze. It has a foot and a curved heel. Brush pots, or bitong, belong to the world of the scholar. They are intended to hold calligraphy and painting brushes when not in use. ‘Mirror Black’ - glazed brush pots are particularly rare, with few examples in public collections. The fragility of the gold and its presence on this brush pot accentuate its rare and distinctive character.

A tiny chip on the base, otherwise perfect condition. Wear to the gilding.

More informations and photos on request.