Vietnamese Late Nguyen Dynasty Hue Blue and White Porcelain Brush Pots with Fish, 19th Century, Set of 2

Details

Description

A fine and authentic pair of blue and white porcelain brush pots (bitong), hand-painted with a continuous design of imperial … Read more A fine and authentic pair of blue and white porcelain brush pots (bitong), hand-painted with a continuous design of imperial five-clawed dragons among clouds and waves, framed by a traditional key-fret border along the rim. Executed in vivid underglaze cobalt blue on a pale greyish-white body typical of Huế porcelain, these pieces reflect the strong influence of Chinese Jingdezhen kilns while maintaining distinctive Vietnamese characteristics.

Each base bears the fish mark (symbol of prosperity and perseverance), an emblematic signature of the imperial workshops of Huế during the late Nguyễn dynasty (circa 1880–1900).
The interior shows natural firing imperfections and age-related wear consistent with 19th-century craftsmanship. Despite visible age cracks, both pieces remain structurally sound and stable.

Origin: Huế, Vietnam
Date: Late 19th century (Nguyễn dynasty, c. 1880–1900)
Material: Porcelain, underglaze cobalt blue decoration
Mark: Hand-painted fish mark on base
Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 cm (3.3 in)
Diameter: 9 cm (3.5 in)

Condition:
Visible time-related cracks and minor glaze flaws; no restorations. The structure remains solid. Age wear consistent with use. See less