A GOOD 'PEACHBLOOM' BRUSHWASHER, TANGLE XI SIX-CHARACTER MARK AND PERIOD OF KANGXI

of compressed circular form, covered in a rich crushed strawberry red glaze with some olive-green inclusions, thinning slightly at the rims, the interior and base glazed white

The washer is in good condition with the exception of a 4mm. wide triangular-shaped chip to the underside of the rim, minor iron-spot firing imperfections and very light glaze scratches.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present washer, also known as tangle xi or gong-shaped washer, is discussed by Ralph Chait in 'The Eight Prescribed Peachbloom Shapes Bearing K'ang-hsi Marks', Oriental Art, Winter 1957, vol. III, no. 4, pp. 130-137, as one of the eight peachbloom wares for the scholar's desk.

Although peachbloom brushwashers of this type can be found in many important museums and private collections, the present piece is especially fine for its even and brilliant glaze. See a complete group of the eight peachbloom wares in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, illustrated in Suzanne G. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1989, p. 237. A similar washer, from the Edward T. Chow collection, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 493;  one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is published in Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong: Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 140, pl. 123; and a third example, in the Percival David Foundation, London, is included in the Foundation's Illustrated Catalogue of Ming and Qing Monochrome Ware, London, 1989, no. B582.

A closely related washer, from the Ashcroft collection, was sold in these rooms, 14th November 2000, lot 165; and one from the L.Y. Lee collection, was sold in our New York rooms, 22nd March 2000, lot 114.