Large Antique Chinese Porcelain Inkpot Red Foo Dogs

Details

Description

A late 19th to early 20th century Chinese porcelain inkpot, decorated with bold, high-contrast iron-red foo dogs on the front … Read more A late 19th to early 20th century Chinese porcelain inkpot, decorated with bold, high-contrast iron-red foo dogs on the front and calligraphy on the reverse.

The vessel has an ovoid body with a wide, flared circular rim, giving it a balanced and functional form. At 3 in (7.6 cm) diameter, it is a large ink pot. Though it can be displayed as a small vase or brush holder, pieces of this form and scale were traditionally used as ink or water pots in Chinese calligraphy.

It rests on a narrow, cut foot. The base bears a red stamped character mark, along with remnants of a wax export seal. Additional traces of a paper label and a largely intact export seal remain around the neck.

Provenance: From the estate of Dr. Andres Onate, former Dean of East Asian Studies at the University of Arizona. Dr. Onate served in China for the US State Department in the early 1980s and again in the early 1990s. This item was purchased in Beijing circa 1982.

MEASUREMENTS
3 in (7.6 cm) diameter x 3 5/8 in (9.2 cm) tall. Weighs 8.5 oz.

CONDITION
The pot has dried blue ink inside, spots of blue ink on the rim, as well as the bumps and blackspot kiln flaws on the outside. The foot has sand from the kiln, as well as dirt and grime.

A distinctive and authentic piece of Chinese scholar’s art – still with its very old (dried) ink. It is equally suited for display, collection, or continued appreciation. See less