Page 89 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9.504-505 (C-357-358)
Brush Washers

Qing dynasty, Kangxi mark and period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with peachbloom glaze,
5
3
1942.9.504: 3.5 x 11.8 (i /s x 4 /s)
l
5
1942.9.505: 3.7 x 11.8 (i /2 x 4 /s)
Widener Collection
NOTES
1. Chait 1957,137. See the essay on Chinese ceramic techniques INSCRIPTIONS
for a further discussion of the eight shapes described by Chait. Inscribed in standard script on the base of both vessels in
2. As recorded on 21 February 1945 (in NGA curatorial files), the underglaze blue in three vertical columns of two characters
English authorities Medley, Ayers, and Ashton have commented each: Da Qing Kangxi nian zhi [made in the Kangxi reign of the
favorably on the peachbloom pieces, and Ashton pointed out great Qing dynasty]
this piece as being especially fine.
TECHNICAL NOTES
1942.9.504: The cobalt blue of the underglaze mark is dark.
REFERENCES Black ink deposits fill pores (pinholes caused by small bubbles
1947 Christensen: 35, repro. breaking on surface during firing) on the inside under the lip
and on the outside, mostly in lighter colored glaze areas. The lip
1957 Chait: 137, repro. 135.
has a triangular chip darkened by ink. A hairline crack runs
from the mouth almost to the base. Glaze flaws appear on the
base, which is slightly recessed within a narrow foot-ring.
1942.9.505: The vessel is ink-stained, and there is a triangular
chip on the underside of the mouth.

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