A Chinese amethyst quartz brushwasher, Qing dynasty, carved in the form of a peach enveloped in its own leafy branches, the rim carved and pierced with peaches and four bats, the interior with twin fish motif, length 14.5cm (repaired), the carved and pierced hardwood stand with openwork blossoming prunus branches, lingzhi fungus and bamboo, on a keyfret base, total height 12.8cm. Provenance: Sir William Younger, 1st Baronet, of Auchen Castle (1862-1937), and thence by descent. Sir William was the current vendor's great grandfather. Note: Sir William Younger was a Scottish politician who served as a Member of Parliament for a total of eleven years between 1895 and 1910. His residences were Auchen Castle in Moffat, Scotland and 45 Princes Gardens, London. It is believed it was during his time in London that his interest in Asian art began, becoming a regular visitor to well-established and respected dealers in Chinese works of art, including John Sparks and Bluetts.