Porcelain water vessel for calligraphers, China

Description

Elegant, original Chinese porcelain vessel in the form of a “brush washer”, traditionally used for holding water for calligraphy and painting.

The vessel has a distinctive, low, almost spherical shape and a striking turquoise ground. The entire surface is decorated with a hand-painted design depicting a phoenix among flowers and plants, complemented by geometric ornament on the neck.
The colour palette – turquoise, green, red, pink and white – is typical of Chinese porcelain decorated in the famille rose style.

Date: c. 1880–1915, China, late Qing dynasty / early Republic.
Dimensions: height 11 cm, diameter approx. 13 cm.

The item is preserved in beautiful, original condition, with natural signs of age and use visible on the surface.
The decoration retains a very attractive colour palette and glaze lustre.

An interesting piece for collectors of Chinese porcelain, Far Eastern art and traditional objects associated with the culture of calligraphy.