Dehua-kiln, white-glaze porcelain brush holder

The Ming and Qing dynasties ushered in a golden age for Dehua porcelain. As societal structures flourished, the economy thrived, and cultural pursuits blossomed, a spirit of innovation swept through the handicraft industry. Dehua's ceramic masters rose to the occasion, creating a captivating array of scholars' accouterments, including brush holders, brush racks, water droppers, water basins, brush washers, seals, and incense holders. These pieces, imbued with life and charm, were popular with a broad spectrum of users, both within China and across the globe. Not only were these items useful tools for scholars, they also added enjoyment to their years of arduous research.