Rare 18th C. Chinese Qianlong Scholar's Brush Washer

Qianlong Inscription on Brush Washer

18th C. Chinese Brush Washer Qianlong Mark and Inscription

A few weeks ago I was at an estate auction here in New England with some pretty terrific Chinese Scholars Items from the 18th and 19th C. . Happily this particularly nice example went my way during the course of the day. Usually collectors and dealers at the previews examine the backs of things very carefully, maybe it was the odd lighting, maybe it was concerns over the upcoming storm? Who knows why the back  of this piece went unnoticed. It did..

So here it is, a wonderful example bearing the mark of the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796) and is of the period.

An exceptionally well done 18th C. Chinese hard-stone brush washer with pine branch decoration on the rim. The reverse has an extensive inscription and signature, part of the inscription seems to be a dedication to Qianlong. Qianlong mark in last column. (remember you read from right to left, so the last column is the first to a westerner) I am not sure what kind of stone it is, it does not seem to be soapstone (too hard).

Size: 6.3" long and 5.25" wide and 1.82" high.
Trade inquiry's welcome.
SOLD....Thank you...

18th C. Chinese Brush Washer, Scholar's Object

Reverse 18th C. Qianlong Brush Washer

Side View, Signed Chinese Brush Washer