Wang Bing Rong and Jingdezhen kilns
Brush Pot Decorated with Dragon and Fish
1866-1932
Scroll
Physical Qualities
Porcelain with pale greenish-white and black glazes, 5 5/16 x 3 3/4 in. (13.5 x 9.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Jean and Sidney Silber, Lutherville, Maryland
Object Number
2015.337
This object was made to hold brushes used by a Chinese scholar or official for writing signing documents, or possibly a student for practicing calligraphy. Two-thirds of the surface is decorated with a raised dragon stretched across the sky and a fish poised, resting on its back on the crest of waves, a shout resonating in the air between the two, issuing from its mouth. The scene refers to a legendary fish's leap over a high waterfall and resulting transformation into a dragon.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by gift, 2015; Jean Silber, Baltimore; Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Silber, Baltimore, by purchase 1985; C.Y Tse Antiques & Collectibles, Hong Kong
Markings: Impressed 6-character seal script Qianlong mark
