How were these vessels used?

Many items served practical functions in scholarly and domestic settings, such as holding ink brushes, storing wine, or containing dry goods in ginger jars. Others functioned purely as decorative display pieces, showcasing status and artistic refinement within imperial and merchant households.

What periods do these pieces date from?

The inventory spans several centuries, featuring works from the Ming dynasty and the extensive reigns of the Qing dynasty. Later nineteenth- and twentieth-century examples also appear frequently, often continuing traditional motifs and imperial styles.

How do I identify a brush pot?

A brush pot, or bitong, is typically a straight-sided cylindrical vessel designed to hold scholar's writing brushes. These objects often feature detailed underglaze blue landscapes or figurative scenes carved directly into the porcelain or ceramic body.

What is a double-gourd vase?

This specific form mimics the shape of a traditional double gourd, featuring a bulbous lower body beneath a smaller upper bulb. Symbolising fortune and longevity, these vessels provide a distinct curved silhouette that challenged the skill of the potter.