Lot 6. A rare famille verte biscuit openwork brushpot, bitong, Kangxi period (1662-1722); 13.8cm (5 3/8in) high. Sold for £6,375 (Estimate £6,000-£8,000). © Bonhams 2001-2022

The cylindrical vessel finely pierced around the exterior with a diaper-pattern and roundels containing double-head flowers, all glazed yellow, green, aubergine-purple and white, all between green incised borders. 

Provenance: John R. Berwald Oriental Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 10 July 1995.

Note: During the Kangxi period potters revisited many earlier techniques adapting, adjusting and ultimately recreating glazes in novel ways. The sancai glaze of the Tang dynasty reappeared and, when applied directly to biscuit, proved particularly well-suited for figures and forms with moulded, incised and applied decoration. The technique was especially popular for producing scholar's objects. Simultaneously rustic and refined, the present brushpot exemplifies both the taste for naturalism popular among literati at the time.

Bonhams. THE MARSH COLLECTION ART FOR THE LITERATI, 3 November 2022, London, New Bond Street