Page 15 - Bonhams Los Angelis December 14, 2022

PROPERTY OF A PACIFIC NORTHWEST COLLECTOR
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A CORAL-GROUND AND BLUE-ENAMELED BRUSHPOT The present brushpot is a rare example of both the use of coral ground
Qianlong seal mark and of the period on a brushpot, and the direct application of blue enamel against this
The cylindrical sides supported on an integral faux bois stand, the ground. The striking contrast of color and texture masterfully achieve
exterior of the brushpot covered in an even iron-red glaze, the vibrant the visual impact sought by porcelain painters at the imperial kilns
vermillion surface suffused with a subtle iridescence from the inherent during the Qianlong period (r. 1736-1795). So, too, does the integral
qualities of the metallic pigment, one side painted in contrasting stand carefully enameled in imitation of wire-inlaid wood stands,
overglaze blue enamel with a garden issuing peonies, ground orchids, a tromp l’oeil effect that the Emperor so appreciated. Though this
and lingzhi amidst rockwork, a few of the leaves and stems extending brushpot appears to be unique, the iridescent quality of the coral
to the other sides, all between a gilt rim and an integral molded and ground and the representation of the gilt-decorated faux bois stand
carved stand terminating in five ruyi-form feet, the stand enameled in a are comparable to that on a Qianlong mark and period wall vase sold
dark russet tone and finely painted with gilt details imitating wood inlaid first at Christie’s, Hong Kong, 1 June 2011, lot 4015, and later at
with gold wire, the interior and the base both enameled in turquoise, Sotheby’s, Hong Kong, 7 October 2015, lot 3715.
the base centered by a reserved square enclosing the six-character
seal mark in iron red.
5 5/8in (14.3cm) high
$30,000 - 50,000

Provenance:
Acquired prior to the 1950s, thence by descent
FINE CHINESE ART | 13