A ‘DRAGON AND CARP’ BRUSH REST, KANGXI
China, 1662-1722. The porcelain brush rest finely modelled and incised to depict dragon and carp amid billowing waves, covered overall with a deep turquoise glaze. Fixed to a European gilt bronze base dating to the late 18th century.

Provenance: From a French estate.
Condition: Excellent condition with only minor old wear and some firing imperfections.

Weight: 161.4 grams
Dimensions: Length 11.8 cm

According to Chinese mythology, a ‘Dragon Gate’ is located at the top of a waterfall cascading from a mountain. Many carp swim upstream against the river’s strong current, but only few are capable or brave enough for the final leap over the waterfall. If a carp successfully makes this jump, it is transformed into a powerful dragon. The Chinese dragon’s large, conspicuous scales indicate its origin from a carp. The image of a carp jumping over ‘Dragon Gate’ is an old and enduring Chinese cultural symbol for courage, perseverance, and accomplishment.

康熙“鯉魚躍龍門”筆擱
中國，1662-1722。陶瓷山形筆擱上髁閒波浪浪中的龍和鯉魚，整體施深綠色釉，固定在一個可追溯到十八世紀末的鎏金銅底座上。

來源：一個法國遺產
品相：極好品相，輕微舊時磨損與一些燒製瑕疵

重量：161.4 克
尺寸：長11.8 厘米