Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Powder Blue Porcelain Bitong to the 17th Century.
China, Late 17th–Early 18th Century (Attributed)
Period: Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi Period (1662–1722)
Culture: China
Medium: Porcelain with powder-blue glaze (chui qing, Jingdezhen ware)
Dimensions: Height: 16 cm (approx. 6 1/4 in.) | Diameter: 18 cm (approx. 7 1/8 in.)
Description & Technical Details
Of classic stout cylindrical form, the exterior is enveloped in a rich, lustrous powder-blue glaze featuring a dense, variegated cobalt field with deep indigo and blackish micro-clusters resulting from traditional blown-glaze kiln dynamics.
The unglazed base displays clean concentric throwing rings and a neat recessed central medallion enclosing a finely hand-written six-character underglaze blue Kangxi reign mark (Da Qing Kangxi Nian Zhi).
Condition Report
Object: Powder-Blue Glazed Porcelain Brush Holder (Bitong)
Overall Condition: Very good / Pristine gallery condition
Glaze Surface: The rich chui qing (blown-blue) powder-blue glaze is exceptionally well-preserved, maintaining a deep, lustrous gloss and vibrant sapphire depth across the entire cylindrical body. It displays natural, uniform cobalt atomization and authentic iron-spotting breakouts without any appreciable surface abrasion, scratches, or hairline fractures.
Exterior Residue Note: A minor patch of old adhesive or sticker residue remains visible on the exterior wall from a previous collection label.
Rim and Interior: The crisp white upper rim is clean, smooth, and entirely free of chips, nibbles, or restoration. The glazed interior is pristine, featuring clean concentric throwing lines and characteristic iron-spotting breakouts.
Base: The unglazed base exhibits sharp, tactile concentric throwing rings with authentic age-related tonal variation and a circular green collection label for "The G.S. May Esquire Private Collection, London" (numbered 352). The recessed central medallion houses an intact, perfectly preserved six-character underglaze blue Kangxi reign mark (Da Qing Kang Xi Nian Zhi) with clear, crisp cobalt lines bleeding softly into the glaze.
Restoration: Inspected visually; no signs of cracks, hairlines, chips, or professional restoration under standard lighting.
Comparative Provenance & Institutional Benchmarks
The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London - Green Label 352
Museum Benchmark: Compare with the powder-blue glazed porcelain brush holder in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (Period: Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, 1662–1722; Date: late 17th–early 18th century; Object Number: 2015.500.7.18, Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving).
Major Auction Benchmark: Compare with a cylindrical powder-blue brush pot sold at Christie's New York (Centuries of Taste: Legacy of a Private Collection, March 21, 2025, Lot 870) realizing USD $37,800.
Compare with a 16 cm Kangxi powder-blue bitong sold at Bonhams London (The Marsh Collection: Art for the Literati, November 3, 2022, Lot 21) achieving £5,100.
Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Powder Blue Porcelain Bitong to the 17th Century.
Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page
A Fine Powder-blue Glazed Porcelain Brush Holder, Bitong China, Late 17th–early 18th Century Attributed to the Kangxi Period
