358 - (R A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE BRUSH POT, BITONG WITH QIANLONG MARK (1736 - 1795) QING DYNASTY

(R A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE BRUSH POT, BITONG WITH QIANLONG MARK (1736 - 1795) QING DYNASTY Dimensions: Height 18 cm Wide 19 cm Depth 19 cm Weight 1982 grams A substantial Chinese porcelain brush pot of cylindrical form, its exterior decorated in the famille rose palette against a richly mottled reddish-brown ground imitating figured wood. Rectangular white reserves interrupt the darker surface and contain finely painted landscape scenes with mountains, water, pavilions and vegetation, creating the effect of framed paintings set into an exotic material. The contrast between the dense faux-wood ground and the luminous pictorial panels gives the vessel considerable visual depth. The bitong was an essential object on the Chinese scholar's desk, intended to hold writing brushes while also offering a surface for artistic display. By combining trompe-l'œil decoration with miniature landscape painting, this example brings together two themes closely associated with literati culture: the appreciation of rare materials and the contemplation of idealised natural scenery. The present appeal lies in the confident scale, the unusual imitation-wood treatment and the delicate famille rose painting, which together turn a practical scholar's object into a highly decorative porcelain work. For lots marked with (R), a 19% VAT is added to the combined hammer price and commission. This VAT is waived for: - Private buyers outside the EU who officially export the items.- Businesses inside the EU holding a valid VAT number, exporting to their home country. Proper export documentation is required to waive the VAT