A SUPERB BLUE AND WHITE BRUSHPOT TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

of cylindrical form, the exterior delicately painted in fine details with a scene from the story Fengshen yanyi, depicting Wen Zhong riding on a mo qilin and leading his equestrian soldiers battling against another group of equestrian warriors, all amongst ferocious leaping tigers and soaring cranes before a city gate, the rim encircled by a band of pine branches and the foot skirted with dabs of cobalt-blue splashes

Collection of T.Y. Chao (1912-1999), and thence by descent in the family.

The brushpot is in overall good condition with expected light surface wear and some characteristic minor firing imperfections. There is a shallow approx. 0.9 cm flake to the rim.
"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."

This brushpot is striking for its dynamic and lively design that extends throughout the surface of the vessel. Rendered in fine almost pencilled lines, it depicts a scene from the story Fengshen yanyi/Investiture of the Gods, a major vernacular work written in the 16th century, narrating the military campaigns of the last evil king of the Shang dynasty against the sagacious founders of the Zhou dynasty. The central figure depicts the grand master to the King Zhou of Shang, Wen Zhong, mounted on the mythical animal mo qilin, the strongest among its kind. Although outnumbered by the opposing Zhou entourage led by a variety of deities, magicians and mounted cavalries bearing banners, he demonstrates his military prowess through his spiritual power to summon animals to fight against the enemy. Wen Zhong ultimately became the Daoist God of Thunder, Puhua tianzun, for his unprecedented loyalty and dedication to his people. 

Brushpots of this type were often adorned with scenes from popular literature, such as one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Compendium of Collection in the Palace Museum. Ceramics, vol. 21, Shunzhi (1644 – 1661) and Kangxi (1662 – 1722) Period of Qing Dynasty (1), 2013, pl. 181; another sold in these rooms, 28th November 1979, lot 183; and a third sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1279.