Qing to Republic Period “Key-Fret and Plantain Leaf” Brush Pot

22.5 x 25.5cm dia

Of flared mouth and waisted body on a circular foot, the vessel is sturdily potted with well-proportioned form typical of scholar’s studio wares. The exterior is decorated in underglaze blue with a band of stylized plantain leaves above a continuous key-fret (leiwen) border.

The cobalt displays a soft blue-grey tone with natural bleeding, consistent with late Qing to early Republican kiln characteristics. The glaze is slightly creamy with minor kiln speckles and age-related wear to the footrim.

Brush pots of this type were used in traditional literati studios for holding writing brushes, combining both functional and decorative appeal.

器呈喇叭口，束腰，下承圈足，整体线条舒展挺拔，造型端庄中见张力，典型文房笔海式样。胎体坚致细腻，修足规整，露胎处可见自然火石红及使用痕迹，时代感明显。

通体施白釉，釉面温润略泛米黄，局部可见细微窑斑，为晚期民窑常见特征。外壁以青花绘饰，构图分带布局：

上部绘蕉叶纹，叶片修长挺拔，叶脉以细线勾勒，层次分明，具有明显装饰性；

中部饰回字纹带，线条规整，节奏感强，寓意“连绵不断、福寿相续”；

下部留白衬托，整体疏密得当，富有文人器韵。

青花发色偏蓝灰，晕散自然，笔触流畅而不拘谨，呈现出晚清至民国时期实用与装饰并重的风格特征。

此类笔海为传统文房陈设用器，用于蓄笔、养笔，亦具陈设观赏价值。器形大方，纹饰古朴，兼具实用与装饰性，适合书房陈设或收藏把玩。