Vintage Chinese Porcelain Blue Dragon Brush Pot Republic Period 4.5"H

Chinese blue and white dragon brush pot with key fret rim border

China, Republic period, early 20th century (circa 1912–1949)
Dimensions: 4.5″W × 4″D × 4.5″H (11.4 × 10.2 × 11.4 cm)

A sturdy cylindrical Chinese porcelain brush pot, or bitong, with a thick rolled rim and clean straight walls. Decorated in underglaze cobalt blue on a pale white ground, it has a classic scholar’s desk presence and a satisfying, substantial feel in the hand. No maker’s mark observed on the base in the photos.

The main motif is a powerful dragon in motion amid scrolling clouds, rendered with fine linework and darker blue washes for depth. One side shows the dragon pursuing a flaming pearl, a traditional symbol of wisdom, authority, and auspicious energy. The geometric key fret border at the rim adds a crisp architectural finish that frames the scene beautifully.

Brush pots were essential tools on the literati writing table, used to hold calligraphy brushes bristle up and ready for use. Over time they became a canvas for bold, symbolic imagery like dragons and clouds, turning an everyday studio object into a compact statement piece for the desk, shelf, or display cabinet.

Condition: No cracks or repairs noted from the photos. Light surface wear and firing specks consistent with age; small edge wear/nicks visible along the foot and minor handling marks to the glaze.

A classic blue and white brush pot with strong decoration and timeless symbolism—an easy fit for an office, library, or Asian art vignette, and a great entry point for collectors of scholar’s objects and Republic era porcelain.