Daoguang marchio periodo - Brush pot - Porcelain

Heavy cylindrical brush holder for tall brushes (Bitong). Period: Qing Dynasty, Daoguang era (1820–1850).

The object belongs to the refined category of the "scholar's studio" (Scholar's Objects). Given its monumental weight of 1,500 grams, this particular piece was conceived as stable porcelain designed specifically to accommodate tall and heavy brushes. The distinctive flared shape at the bottom and the presence of the original period four-character reign mark in regular script (道光年製) indicate private or elite scholarly patronage, cultivated and aristocratic, intended for High Mandarin officials, princes, great bureaucrats, provincial governors, ministers, or members of the imperial family, or as a prestige gift to famous painters.

To be seen is the refined painting beneath the cover: two fishermen on typical boats (sampans) in Taoist-inspired calm waters. Notably, the extraordinary millimetric control of the brush in the fine geometric chessboard lattice painted on the mats of the boats.