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ID #SA1231348
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£14,750
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A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €17,258     $18,733
£14,750
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

17th century
Description

A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong)

China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

​Of heavy cylindrical form (bitong), this exceptional scholar’s brush pot is finely potted and painted in vibrant, deep cobalt tones with a continuous literati landscape. The exterior depicts travelers navigating winding rivers by small boat through towering, faceted mountain peaks and ancient pines, framed by two vertical panels of exquisite running-script (Xingshu) poetry. The calligraphy is executed with great confidence and fluid precision, accompanied by intaglio square seals.

​The interior reveals natural concentric throwing rings under a lustrous glaze with fine iron-spotting and organic kiln character. The flat, unglazed recessed base features a concentric dressing ring and a central underglaze blue six-character Kangxi reign mark within a double ring, perfectly capturing the aesthetic and technical mastery of the period.

​Inscriptions & Translation:

​Panel 1: Features an autumn river verse: "Ancient trees stand level over the autumn river; at the bow, I ladle wine and let the small craft drift with the current... right to the islets of white duckweed and red smartweed."

​Panel 2: Features a twilight landscape verse: "Strolling late to the high bank, I gaze out—the spring breeze delivers endless scenery... One by one, lamplights flicker awake, as the pine-filtered moon hangs amidst hanging vines."

​Dimensions: 17 cm high, 19.5 cm diameter

​Condition Report: Very good overall. Structural integrity is sound with no chips, cracks, or restorations. Displays standard, expected minor kiln specks and natural iron inclusions within the glaze, along with light, authentic age-related wear to the unglazed base ring.

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Kangxi Blue White Brush Pot to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1231348
Description
A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong)

China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

“
​Of heavy cylindrical form (bitong), this exceptional scholar’s brush pot is finely potted and painted in vibrant, deep cobalt tones with a continuous literati landscape.
Sandbanks Antiques

The exterior depicts travelers navigating winding rivers by small boat through towering, faceted mountain peaks and ancient pines, framed by two vertical panels of exquisite running-script (Xingshu) poetry. The calligraphy is executed with great confidence and fluid precision, accompanied by intaglio square seals.

fig 1. A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
fig 1. A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

​The interior reveals natural concentric throwing rings under a lustrous glaze with fine iron-spotting and organic kiln character. The flat, unglazed recessed base features a concentric dressing ring and a central underglaze blue six-character Kangxi reign mark within a double ring, perfectly capturing the aesthetic and technical mastery of the period.

fig 2. A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
fig 2. A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

​Inscriptions & Translation:

​Panel 1: Features an autumn river verse: "Ancient trees stand level over the autumn river; at the bow, I ladle wine and let the small craft drift with the current... right to the islets of white duckweed and red smartweed."

fig 3. A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
fig 3. A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

​Panel 2: Features a twilight landscape verse: "Strolling late to the high bank, I gaze out—the spring breeze delivers endless scenery... One by one, lamplights flicker awake, as the pine-filtered moon hangs amidst hanging vines."

fig 4. A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
fig 4. A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

​Dimensions: 17 cm high, 19.5 cm diameter

​Condition Report: Very good overall. Structural integrity is sound with no chips, cracks, or restorations. Displays standard, expected minor kiln specks and natural iron inclusions within the glaze, along with light, authentic age-related wear to the unglazed base ring.

Provenance: The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Kangxi Blue White Brush Pot to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1231348
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
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Archive I A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.

A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)

Archive II A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View II
Archive III A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View III
Archive IV A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View IV
Archive V A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View V
Archive VI A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View VI
Archive VII A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View VII
Archive VIII A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View VIII
Archive IX A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View IX
Archive X A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View X
Archive XI A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View XI
Archive XII A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View XII
Archive XIII A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View XIII
Archive XIV A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View XIV
Archive XV A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text. View XV
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Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 188
Items Sold 80
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
188
Sold
80
A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
A Fine Blue and White Porcelain Scholar's Brush Pot (Bitong) China, Late 17th / Early 18th Century (Attributed to the Kangxi Period, 1662–1722)
Ref: SA1231348
A cylindrical Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot decorated with a painted mountain landscape and calligraphic text.
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FAQs

A bitong is a cylindrical vessel traditionally placed on a Chinese scholars desk to hold writing and painting brushes. Originating predominantly during the Ming and Qing dynasties, these objects often feature detailed underglaze decorations depicting landscapes, narrative scenes, or poetic inscriptions.

These vessels are crafted from fine porcelain clay and decorated using mineral cobalt oxide paint applied directly onto the unburnt body. A clear feldspathic glaze is applied over the paint before the piece is fired at high temperatures, turning the cobalt a vibrant blue.

Authentic Kangxi era porcelain generally features brilliant multi-tonal cobalt blue hues beneath a thin, bright glaze. The porcelain paste is fine and white, while painted designs and character calligraphic inscriptions display sharp, controlled brushwork.

An antique bitong functions as a decorative focal point on an executive office desk, library shelf, or sideboard. Positioning the vessel alongside minimalist modern decor or natural timber surfaces emphasizes the detailed painted brushwork.

Maintain underglaze porcelain by dusting regularly with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemical cleaners, and rinse gently with lukewarm water and mild soap only when necessary.
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