A famille rose ‘Laozi’ brushpot. China, Tongzhi mark, but stamped, probably Guangxu or later. The cylindrical brushpot with an overglaze decoration of Laozi draped in yellow garments riding a water buffalo clutching on a scroll and Ruyi scepter. The backside with calligraphic Daoist text and the bottom with an impressed iron red Tongzhi seal mark and of the period. About Laozi: Laozi was an ancient Chinese Taoist philospher. His work had a profound influence on subsequent Chinese religious movements and culture. The reputed founder of Daoism was born in Henan in 604 B.C. The legend is that he was carried eighty years before birth, and was therefore born with white hair; hence the nam Laozi or “Old Master”. Traditional accounts say he was born as Li Er in the state of Chu during China’s Spring and Autumn Period and served as the royal archivist for the Zhou court. Laozi became disillusioned with his life in the government due to its moral corruption. He planned to escape the country so he dressed himself as a farmer and rode a water buffalo to the Western border. The guard at the border recognized him and asked him to write his wisdom down for later generations. This would eventually be the Tao Te Ching. Once he wrote down the text, he crossed the border and was never again seen. Dimensions: Height 11.7 cm, diameter 7.2 cm. Condition (DM for condition pictures): In perfect condition without damage - light wear to the calligraphic poem on the backside. Worldwide registered and insured shipping. #summersale