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Unique Chinese Porcelain Hand Painted Brush Pot with Fish Imagery and Calligraphy Translation: ” The Fish Find Their Joy”, Circa 1900

A Chinese porcelain brush pot, also known as a “bitong”, is a container traditionally cylindrical used to hold Chinese calligraphy brushes . These pots are often made of porcelain and are valued as works of art, frequently hand painted with intricate designs and motifs.
Brush pots are historically a symbol of Chinese art and the cultural values of the Chinese literati, and have a long history dating back to the Tang dynasty. Designs often include landscapes, figures, calligraphy, and auspicious symbols.
We see here on this brush pot the hand painted fish are in the act of “swimming” and painted in different perspectives giving the scene a wonderful momentary glimpse of the “depth” of water. The Chinese characters translate to “the fish find their joy” and is associated with the philosophical concept of Zhuangzi’s “The Joy of Fish” , which discusses the idea of understanding and appreciating the freedom and happiness of others, even if we cannot directly experience it.
Brush pots are highly valued as works of art and collectibles. This unique and rare brush pot hand painting, circa 1900, is stamped and truly a work of art with cultural philosophical significance.
Dimensions: height 6.5″ x 4.25″

 

Product ID: 107734 Category:

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