A rather rare, and quite charming, pair of Chinese Kangxi period porcelain brush washers modeled in the form of a pair of shoes for use in the scholar’s studio.  At first glance a whimsical conceit, but as with most Chinese objects, symbolic in nature as shoes come in pairs they are the symbol of conjugal harmony as they come in pairs. Young brides-to-be often embroidered pairs of shoes as gifts to their future husbands as wedding gifts, wrought with auspicious images. These fine examples measuring 4″ long and in very good condition, dating to the later 17th century, Kangxi period. $2,800.00 the pair.