An Important and Rare Imperial-quality Flambé and 'Ge'-type Compressed Brush Washer (Tangluo Xi) 18th Century (Qianlong Period)

An Important and Rare Imperial-Quality Flambé and 'Ge'-Type Compressed Brush Washer (Tangluo Xi)

Jingdezhen Kilns, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century (Qianlong Period)

An exceptional and flawlessly preserved 18th-century Chinese porcelain scholar’s brush washer (tangluo xi), showcasing the pinnacle of Qing dynasty kiln mastery. The elegantly compressed, low-slung body is enveloped in a mesmerizing, rich plum-purple yaobian (flambé) glaze, heavily suffused with opalescent streaks of lavender, cosmic blue, and sea-green flecks that pull cleanly away at the incurved rim. In striking contrast, the interior features a classic, widely crackled cream 'Ge'-type glaze, harmonizing multiple ancient Song dynasty aesthetics into a single masterpiece.

Fitted with an immaculate, uniform chocolate-brown zijin iron slip to the recessed base—a technical hallmark of elite 18th-century imperial studio production—this remarkably lightweight vessel boasts an illustrious, undisturbed Japanese collection provenance. Fully vetted under ultraviolet light, the piece survives in museum-grade, pristine condition, making it a premier acquisition for the discerning connoisseur of Chinese scholar's works of art.

Object: Compressed Brush Washer / Water Pot (Tangluo Xi / Snail Shell Washer)

Date: 18th Century; Qing Dynasty (Qianlong Period, 1736–1795)

Origin: Jingdezhen Kilns, Jiangxi Province, China

Exterior Glaze: Transmutation Flambé (Yaobian) glaze; copper and iron reduction firing showcasing a deep purplish-red ground with variegated lavender, turquoise, and opalescent blue mottling.

Interior Glaze: Cream-toned celadon with a structured, iron-wire crackle emulating classic Song Dynasty Ge ware.

Base Treatment: Recessed base completely covered in a smooth, matte chocolate-brown zijin (iron-rich) wash, replicating the "iron foot" of archaic masterpieces; features micro-pinpricking characteristic of mature, prolonged kiln firings.

Footrim: Cleanly turned, double-knife trimmed footrim exposing a highly refined, dense, buff-cream porcelain paste.

Width: 11.0 cm

Height: 6.5 cm

Weight: 260 grams (Highly refined, thin-walled imperial-standard potting)

Provenance:

Ex Private Japanese, Tokyo collection

Now held in The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London – Green label No 348

Condition Report: Excellent Condition. Thoroughly examined under Ultraviolet light; entirely free of structural hairlines, restoration, over painting, rim fritting, or glaze stabilization. 100% original state.