ART 198 - HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS

During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 CE), trade with Europe increased dramatically with the establishment of the Dutch and India Company in 1602. As trade grew more plentiful, the Chinese potters and painters of Jingdezhen increasingly geared their production towards European tastes. Overglazing, which had been introduced during the previous Ming dynasty, was expanded and more colors were tested and used. This porcelain brush holder is painted with a scene of men drinking tea while seated on the floor at a low table in an interior scene, and the decorative technique was called 'fencai,' meaning 'powdery colors.' The form of this vessel is very similar to the cylindrical forms favored by the Mayan potters, and like those vessels provides the viewer with an intimate look into Chinese culture of the period.

Qing Dynasty Brush Holder, Porcelain with Overglaze Enamel China, 1723-1735 CE