This is a Chinese blue and white porcelain brush pot, or bitong. It is a collectible item typically used by scholars for holding calligraphy brushes.
Period: The brush pot is from the Transitional period, circa 1635-1640.
Decoration: It is painted in rich tones of cobalt blue with a scene from the Western Zhou dynasty legend of King Wen (Wen Wang) and his attendants bringing ministerial robes to Jiang Taigong by a river.
Significance: The subject matter is considered appropriate for a scholar's desk, as the story illustrates a sage being persuaded to join the King's court.