Chinese Carved Porcelain Brush Pot. By Wang Bingrong, circa 1890
This delicate brush pot is a beautiful example of the art of carved porcelain characteristic of the great Chinese artist Wang Bingrong. The piece was created around 1890 by the master, whose works are highly prized for their beautiful craftsmanship, originality, and delicacy. Wang Bingrong created his works between 1862 and 1908 using a unique technique known as "porcelain carving." Bingrong created the motifs that adorn the white surface by carving the material as if it were stone or wood. The artist began his career carving bamboo pieces before applying his expertise to the decoration of porcelain-a technique in which he remains unsurpassed to this day. The beauty and precision of Wang Bingrong's carved porcelain pieces have made them unique and highly sought-after.
This exquisite boat is in impeccable condition. The white porcelain is glossy and smooth, and the entire exterior of the piece is decorated with a scene featuring two animals from Chinese mythology: an imperial dragon and a golden carp (koi). The carp peeks out from among the waves decorating part of the vase's base, while the dragon hovers in the air in front of it. A great torrent of water flows from the mouth of the mythological beast, forming the sea. This feature is characteristic of the dragon, which, according to Chinese mythology, is the guardian of the waters. In this scene, the dragon has five toes on each claw, making it a symbol of good fortune.
The relief with which the images have been carved is smooth and delicate, creating precise and firm contours and lending great dynamism and expressiveness to the scene. The waters gushing from the dragon's mouth seem to have a life of their own, creating waves full of movement. The animals are expressive and lifelike, full of spontaneity. On the base of the bowl, we find the artist's signature in the form of a seal engraved on the porcelain, which undoubtedly adds even more interest to this fantastic piece.
This brush pot is a truly luxurious item, a work of art in carved porcelain that will enhance even the most elegant desk with its unique presence.
Dimensions: Width: 90 mm. Height: 130 mm.