A 17th century Chinese blue and white porcelain brushpot (bitong). Waisted cylindrical form raised on ring foot. Blue underglaze literati decoration of two figures on boat in landscape. Transitional between late Ming dynasty and early Kangxi period, Qing dynasty. A star crack on the bottom with old repair (see enlargement images from bottom and interior) and a small, tight hairline from the rim (also imaged). Otherwise good condition. Height, 5 7/8 inches. Rim diameter, about 4 1/16 inches.

A finely decorated Chinese famille verte porcelain plaque. Exuberant and well decorated scene of figures in architectural and garden landscape, surrounded by a band of flower, bird and precious objects adorned reserves. An inscription on the verso. Originally a component in a chair, stool, table or screen, now entirely useful as a trivet or decoration (or perhaps to complete a rare early furniture item in need of an inset). 18th century. Good condition, with some glaze wear or fritting around the rim. 13 3/4 inches diameter.