This is an extremely fine incised B/W Ming Dynasty Chenghua period Imperial brush washer. This brush washer was painted in a wave pattern some crashing against the rocks with finely incised mythical animals above the water. The brush washer measures approx. 5 9/16 inches tall. Chenghua period was from 1465 - 1487. These blue and white wares are the most sought after blue and white wares China ever produced. The beautiful cobalt used during this period makes them very easy to distinguish from other periods. They have a distinct blackish tone from the imported somali blue cobalt they used during that period. They also mixed in local cobalt call pitang to stabilize the Imported cobalt because it was known to run. Most Chenghua wares don't have the heaping and piling effect because they refined the cobalt so well, pieces that have heaping and piling that breaks the surface of the glaze will show a silvery skin reflection. The imported cobalt came from Persia and known one knows where in Persia. China has not imported this cobalt since the end of the Chenghua period over 500 years ago. The Chenghua wares are painted with fine outlines and filled in with a broad brush using loose free   style strokes. They refined the clay better than any previous period and used high firing kilns, often causing un- glazed bottoms to look burnt or mottled and glazed bottoms will look wavy. The glaze has tiny even bubbles that can be seen with a loupe. 

https://www.chinesemasterpieces.com

Groundbreaking Discovery Challenges the Established History of Ru Ware

[Cherry Hill NJ 05/25/2025] – A shocking revelation in the world of ancient Chinese ceramics is set to disrupt the established understanding of Ru ware, one of the most prized ceramics of the Song Dynasty. Independent researcher and collector [Joseph Sharon] has uncovered irrefutable evidence proving that Imperial Ru wares incorporated crushed blue agate in their glazes and fire-gilded bands on their rims and bases—features that have been systematically ignored by museums and auction houses.

With a personal collection of over 300 pieces and extensive microscopic imaging evidence, [Joseph Sharon] has repeatedly attempted to present these findings to leading institutions, only to be met with silence and resistance.

Microscopic Evidence Exposes Long-Held Myths

Through high-resolution microscopic analysis, the presence of blue agate within Ru ware glazes has been confirmed. This contradicts the long-held claim that no such material remained after firing or was used in Song Dynasty ceramics. Agate, with its unique melting properties, remains intact within the glaze, creating a distinctive and recognizable effect that is scientifically impossible to replicate artificially.

Furthermore, many of these artifacts feature fire-gilded bands, a lost technique using a gold and mercury mixture that corrodes naturally over time, forming cuprite and botryoidal malachite—a signature of genuine Imperial wares. This technique has not been in use since the mid-1800s due to safety concerns, further proving the age and authenticity of these artifacts.

Resistance from Museums and Auction Houses

Despite sharing detailed analyses and microscopic photographs, leading auction houses and institutions, including the Palace Museum in Taiwan, have refused to examine the collection. The implications of this research challenge the credibility of millions of dollars' worth of past Ru ware sales, many of which were misattributed merchant-grade wares.

"The art world must prioritize historical accuracy over institutional reputations and market interests," says [Joseph Sharon]. "Refusing to engage with this evidence is a disservice to scholarship and collectors alike."

Call to Action: Seeking Open-Minded Scholars and Institutions

[Joseph Sharon] invites independent researchers, universities, and institutions to examine the collection and conduct independent testing to validate these findings.

In an effort to bring transparency to the art and research world, a new website is set to launch, showcasing high-resolution microscopic images, detailed reports, and side-by-side comparisons with known Ru ware artifacts.

History must be shaped by evidence, not by the reluctance of institutions to admit past mistakes. The time for truth is now.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or collaboration opportunities, please contact:

[Joseph Sharon]
[E-MAIL Joseph.Sharon@chinesemasterpieces.com
WEBSITE https://www.chinesemasterpieces.com  

[Joseph Sharon] is a dedicated independent researcher and collector specializing in Song Dynasty ceramics. With an extensive collection and a passion for uncovering historical truths, [Joseph Sharon] has spent years analyzing and documenting evidence that challenges conventional narratives. Through scientific analysis and meticulous research, their goal is to bring long-overdue transparency to the world of ancient Chinese ceramics.