“Peach Blossoms on Green”: A Kangxi Period Brush Washer Enters a Private Collection

In a new column published on the Artron portal, Chinese collector and columnist Feng Weiyu shares the story of acquiring an exceptional piece: a gong-shaped brush washer (tangluoxi) from the Kangxi period (1662-1722), featuring the renowned ‘peach bloom’ glaze (jiangdouhong). This type of object, prized by collectors for its delicate red hue speckled with green spots, stands as a rare testament to the craftsmanship of the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen during the Qing dynasty.

The piece, described as exhibiting the famous evolution of “peach blossoms on green” (taohua fan lü), has been added to the author’s personal collection, named “Zidetang” (the Hall of Self-Acquisition). Feng Weiyu is a recognized figure in the Chinese ceramics world, known for her writings and lectures on imperial porcelain, and she has authored several books on the subject.

The narrative is part of a series of columns in which the author documents her own acquisitions, offering an intimate look at the art market and the passion of collectors. The article details the authentication process, the negotiation, and the emotional attachment that accompanies the arrival of such a piece in a collection.

Kangxi-era ceramics, particularly those with jiangdouhong glaze, are highly sought after in the international market. Their rarity stems from the difficulty of controlling the reduction firing process, which produces unpredictable chromatic effects, ranging from deep red to greenish and brownish hues.

This private acquisition illustrates the vitality of the Chinese art market, where discerning collectors continue to hunt for rare pieces, and bears witness to the sustained interest in the ceramic heritage of imperial China.

---

Written by the ADM desk based on 雅昌艺术网. Read the original article for the full story.