A Large Overhanging 'Ying' Scholar's Rock Qing Dynasty

vertically oriented curving at the top and overhanging to the right side, the dark grey stone with a jagged surface formed by deep crevasses and sharp edges, the back side almost completely flat, supported in a bronze planter fitted with a metal rod

The Richard Rosenblum Collection.

The rock is in good condition. There are several brittle areas, especially at the sharp extremities, but these are not fragile or flaky. The crevices of the rock have absorbed general detritus over time, revealing a beige-brown patina visible in the catalogue photo. The overall colour of the rock is accurately captured in the photo, though slightly too silhouetted. There is extensive malachite-green and oxidisation to the surface of the bronze stand, as expected of a piece of its age. The stand has been lightly pigmented in the areas where movement of the heavy stone scratched the surface.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This present lot, along with lots 3627 and 3666, comes from the Richard Rosenblum Collection, arguably one of the largest and finest collections of Chinese scholars' rocks in the world. More than thirty pieces from the Rosemblum Collection were displayed at The World of Scholars' Rocks: Garden Studios and Paintings, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York in 2000. Rosenblum, a sculptor and cyber-montage print artist, also drew on contemporary literature and shed light on the problematic axiom that the rocks most sought after in ancient China were those that were untouched.

The appreciation of rocks dates back to the Song dynasty. Closely linked with, if not predominantly influential on, this movement is the contemporary social and intellectual landscape. Far merely acting as decorative objects, the rocks acted as objects of philosophical contemplation, and to an extent, a tangible bridge that enabled scholars to grasp the metaphysical concepts of Taoism, Zen Buddhism and Confucianism that were prevalent in China at the time.

For a further discussion of the Rosenblum Collection, see Robert D. Mowry, Worlds within Worlds: The Richard Rosenblum Collection of Chinese Scholars' Rocks, Harvard University Art Museum, Cambridge, 1997.