Page 29 - Bonhams UK Marsh Collection Art for the Literati November 2, 2022

Lot 17 Lot 38 Lot 27 Lot 7

Lot 17, a blue and white ‘Saagata’ sleeve vase, Chongzhen, is a Another trend ofthe late Ming dynasty is the increased production of
great example, with the meticulous gradation of the different shades scholar’s objects. Lot 1, a blue and white circular brush and ink stand,
of vibrant blue set against a fine white ground. The depiction of the late 16th century, was a popular object during this period besides
main figure and various other characters on this vase shows great inkstones. The late Ming scholar Wen Zhenheng in his Treatise on
influence by the Buddhist paintings of Ming dynasty artist Ding Superfluous Things writes, ‘there are also drum-shaped ones with
Yunpeng. Similarly, the other two rouleau vases, Lot 38, a fine small holes in them for brushes and inksticks.’ These brush stands during
blue and white rouleau vase, Chongzhen, and Lot 27 a wucai ‘lotus the Ming dynasty were usually with a rectangular opening in the centre
pond’ rouleau vase, Shunzhi, are both elegant examples attesting to surrounded by three or four circular ones. They ceased to be produced
the changing taste of the literati class during this period. Lot 7, a rare however, during the Chongzhen reign. Another favoured object during
blue and white ‘descending geese’ ovoid jar and cover, Chongzhen, this period is Lot 39, a rare blue and white ‘Kui Xing’ brush stand. It is
borrows heavily from references of Neo-Confucianism, music and imbued with well-wishes for academic excellence, with similar function
literature, and Lot 35, a fine and large blue and white ‘mythical as the previous lot, but also served as a table screen.
creatures’ incense burner, Chongzhen, is painted impressively around
its body with a remarkably diverse range of mythical beasts. Both The brushpot as a scholar’s object, transcended traditional materials
illustrate a plethora of artistic inspirations and expressions in ceramic and started being produced in ceramic on a massive scale. Ceramic
decoration from Jingdezhen. brushpots are an innovation ofthe late Ming dynasty, and it reached
a status of extreme popularity during the Chongzhen, Shunzhi and
Kangxi reigns. Its straight and uninterrupted sides also provided
a great canvas for artistic expression. It fulfils both functional and
decorative needs for the scholars and literati. The choices of
decorative themes are endless, including figures and stories from
popular woodblock prints, mythical beasts, symbolic animals, birds
and flowers etc. This trend coincided with the most glorious period in
the history of Chinese porcelain painting.

Lot 35 Lot 1 Lot 39

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