Ming Wanli Period, Wucai Open‑Work Mountain‑Shaped Brush Rest with Five‑Dragon Motif

拍品描述

Dimensions: 15 cm wide, 11.5 cm high (0.492 ft wide, 0.377 ft high) Condition and Provenance: The piece is in excellent condition, with well-preserved glaze pigments and slight signs of natural aging. The foot rim is unglazed, and a clear underglaze blue reign mark is present on the base. There are no cracks or signs of repair. Formerly in the private collection of Robert Hayes, Princeton, New Jersey, USA. Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1970s, it has been passed down through family. There are no previous public auction, publication, or exhibition records. Description: This mountain-shaped brush rest is an important object from a late Ming dynasty scholar's study. Shaped like a five-peaked mountain, it is crafted using a combination of molding, appliqué, and openwork carving techniques. A majestic dragon is carved atop the highest peak, with finely detailed scales and mane. Each of the other four peaks features a secondary dragon in a different pose. The body is intricately openwork, depicting churning clouds and surging waves. The background is decorated with sea cliff patterns, and the outer frame is adorned with painted wave patterns. The vibrant red, green, yellow, and blue glazes showcase the typical opulent beauty of Wanli polychrome porcelain. The base bears a rectangular underglaze blue reign mark reading "Made in the Wanli Reign of the Great Ming Dynasty." This piece, combining carving, openwork, and overglaze painting, is an extremely rare surviving example of Ming Dynasty literati porcelain.

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