A utilitarian object that has been elevated to a work of art. The under glaze paintings are finely done with scrolling lotus designs.

 

The  molded porcelain object that was used to hold both ink and brushes. The cobalt used is a nice pleasing dark color. The base glaze shows a blue tint and is very thick and very soft from years of use. There is no foot. The base is flat showing a refined white clay. The base is very soft from years of moving across desk surfaces.   

 

 

3” (7.6 cm) long x 2 ¼” (5.7 cm) wide x 1 ¼” (3.2 cm) high. Weighs 3.0 oz (85 g)

 

 

There are damages on each end. One end has a crack but that never broke completely. There is also a thin hairline on that side. The other side broke and was repaired. There are kiln flows, such as pitting and black spots.  There is black staining from dried ink to the interior exterior and base. While this could probably be cleaned off, it gives the piece has an ancient look.

  

A very old utilitarian scholar’s object that will add substance to your décor or Ming collection.