Porcelain Brushwasher, Hua-chou type ware, Song dynasty, 11th-12th century. Porcelain with molded décor under a clear glaze, 1 5/16 x 4 3/16 x 3 7/16 in. (3.33 x 10.64 x 8.73 cm). Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton 2002.90.2 © 2015 All Rights Reserved. Minneapolis Institute of Art

Some of the earliest Chinese white wares were fashioned after contemporary silver utensils. Considered similarly attractive, the lustrous white porcelains of late Tang and Song (960-1279), while more fragile than the gold or silver vessels they emulated, were nevertheless cheaper and easier to maintain. A type of brushwasher popular during Song comprised of a circular bowl with a flat flanged handle of crescent shape is shown here in different materials, gilt silver and porcelain. The metal vessel is extensively engraved with peony and foliate scroll motifs against a stippled ground on its handle and flat base. The porcelain washer is exactly the same size and has a fish holding a foliate scroll in its mouth in thread relief decorating its handle.