Peach bloom' Vessel for the Scholars Desk, 1662-1722, 3 3/8 in. (8.57 cm), Porcelain with peachbloom glaze, bearing K'ang-hsi marks, China, 17th-18th century, Among the materials considered collectible by the literati, ceramic ranked the lowest. Among the vessels intended to contain water for writing, however, porcelain and stoneware far outnumbered other materials. Three basic types of pots became prevalent on the scholars desk for holding water: droppers, storage jars, and brush washers.