A large Chinese cylindrical brushpot

A large Chinese cylindrical brushpot, decorated to the exterior in famille verte enamels with the Hundred Boys, early 20th century, 18.3cm dia. From the collection of Professor D R Laurence MD. Provenance: purchased from Admiral Vernon Antiques Market, London. The Hundred Boys represent the Chinese desire for many sons to carry on the family name and bring honour to the family. There are many traditions associated with achieving this wish such as offering young brides candied lotus seeds at the New Year celebrations, and adding an arrowroot bulb (which resembles a baby boy's penis) into the New Years cooking.