Brush Washer with Dragons
(China )
This brush washer sits low on a round foot-rim, bulging around its middle and then narrowing to create a round open mouth. The sides of the washer are painted with underglaze cobalt blue depicting a scaly four clawed dragon on a white porcelain body. The mythical beast, eyes aflame, issues tendrils of fire as it pursues jewels amid the clouds. Below the dragon, along the foot of the washer, waves swell and spew sprays of water. Outline and wash application of pigment is employed to provide varied shades of blue, creating a contrast between the rich outlines and the softer fill.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.
Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876; purchased by William T. Walters, Baltimore, 1876; inherited by Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1894; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
Exhibitions
1876 | Centennial Exhibition Philadelphia. Memorial Hall, Philadelphia, Philadelphia. |
Geographies
China (Place of Origin)
Measurements
H: 1 15/16 × Diam: 3 1/8 in. (4.9 × 7.9 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. Walters, 1876
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
49.907