Republic of China period (ca. 1923) – Yixing square brush pot by Tiehuxuan Company The upper inscription reads Chengnian (城辇). The date corresponds to 1923, the Guihai year. The signature is Qiantao (潛陶). The commercial mark is Tiehuxuan (鐵畫軒). The brush pot is decorated with engraved prunus blossoms on two sides, together with a short poetic couplet on one side: 筆花和雨 涧文章十 A possible translation of the inscription is: “Brushwork as delicate as blossoms in the harmony of spring rain; Ten refined compositions by the quiet mountain stream.” The imagery echoes the elegance of plum blossoms and expresses the calm, contemplative atmosphere cherished by the literati. Upper inscription on the reverse side: Chengnian (城辇). This is an abbreviated form; the full version is a classical reference to the old imperial capital Peking. Date and place of production: “Autumn of the Guihai year” (癸亥之秋) means the autumn of 1923. Since the commercial mark is the well-known Shanghai firm Tiehuxuan, the piece was made in Shanghai, and is now roughly a century old. Signature: Qiantao (潛陶). Although courtesy names were used somewhat freely in that era, the accompanying inscription Chengnian suggests that the carver was an artisan with a strong sense of cultural and national identity. About the artist Shao Hongjun 邵宏俊 (1882–1942): Shao Hongjun, art name Qiantao, was a master ceramic engraver from Qianluo, Yixing, active from the late Qing into the early Republic. Born into poverty, he apprenticed at age fifteen under the renowned engraver Chen Boting, working diligently and mastering the art. Later, he engraved antique-style pieces for the Yixing industrialist Zhao Songting. After 1911, as his skills matured, he adopted the signature “Qiantao,” meaning “the pottery man from Qianluo.” He was later employed as a technical specialist by both Tiehuxuan and the Liyong Company. Works submitted by Liyong to the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition include his Qiantao inscription. Throughout his career he worked longest for Tiehuxuan, and most engraved pieces bearing the Tiehuxuan mark are attributed to him. During the war: After the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, Shao Hongjun refused to work for the collaborationist regime or carve pieces for them. He was beaten severely by puppet troops, yet remained unyielding, a testament to his integrity and patriotism. The Tiehuxuan Company: Tiehuxuan was a Shanghai ceramic firm specializing in exports to Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Founded in the late Qing dynasty, it became one of the best-known Yixing commercial houses during the Republic, admired especially for its elegant calligraphy. Symbolism of the inscription “Chengnian”: In 1923, the early Republican era was marked by warlord divisions and Sun Yat-sen’s preparations for the Northern Expedition. Many Yixing workshops held patriotic hopes for national revival. Tiehuxuan exported scholar’s objects such as brush pots, and the inscription “Chengnian,” referring to the imperial capital, was intended to remind overseas readers not to forget the symbolic center of the nation. “Autumn of the Guihai year” reflects a time of strong concern for the country’s future. Dimensions: H11,3 x W6,5 cm Condition: No damage! Perfect condition. Please check the images carefully. Small imperfections and kiln-firing defects are not always described in detail. The written condition report is indicative only; the photographs provide the definitive and binding description of the item's condition. Shipping method: The item is securely packed and shipped with insurance without stand.