A RARE BRONZE 'DRAGON' BRUSHWASHER YUAN DYNASTY

finely cast utilising the lost wax process with a compressed globular body resting on three short ruyi feet with a globular centre, the exterior cast with a pair of stylised chilong clambering sinuously with their paws resting on the mouthrim, one with its head arched upwards, the other peering into the vessel, the exterior patinated to a warm variegated brown colour

Jan van Beers Oriental Art, London, 1990.

There is extensive oxidisation to the surface of the vessel. Minor dents and nicks, and other surface wear.
"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."

The brushwasher is extremely rare in that the whole piece is cast in one piece using the lost wax process, with one dragon depicted peering into the vessel whilst the other is shown putting its head back to swallow some water. Shallow brushwashers, also of super-elliptical shape, some bearing Xuande marks, are well-known. In these examples both dragons which form the handles on either side are made in an identical mould and are soldered or riveted onto the main body of the vessel. In Ulrich Hausmann’s opinion, this example is the earliest bronze vessel of this type and the only recorded example which is modelled and cast in one unit.

For similar iconography in ceramics, compare the modelling and expressions on the chilong handles on the qingbai ‘dragon’ cup from the Carl Kempe collection, illustrated by Bo Gyllensvärd, Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection, Stockholm, 1964, pl. 533, and sold in our London rooms, 14th May 2008, lot 319.