A RARE CARVED AND DATED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD, DATED TO 1664

finely carved in relief with a continuous scene of two groups of figures on horseback near a gate to a walled town, with one European figure on a buffalo and another on horseback, beside trees and rocky outcrops, signed and with cyclical date corresponding to 1664, with an applied horn rim

Acquired in Paris, 1967.

With the exception of a wood replacement base, an attached wood rim, several short hairline age-cracks extending from the rim and base (the longest circa 22mm) and associated nibbles to the edges, and overall light scratches to the surface, this brushpot is in very good condition.
"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."

The present brushpot is signed by master bamboo carver Zhu Zhizheng, hao Sansong, and is dated to the jiachen year (equivalent to 1664) of Kangxi's reign. Zhu, a native of Jiangsu province, was the second son of the famous Ming dynasty bamboo carver Zhu Ying. He was active during the early 17th century and is especially known for his landscapes which often included images of donkeys. It is said that Zhu carved mainly for his own pleasure and one piece would take him several months to complete. His extant work includes brushpots, arm-rests, perfume-holders and figures of animals all carved in bamboo. See a brushpot carved with a scene of three scholars in openwork, similarly signed 'Sansong', from the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, illustrated in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, part 1, Hong Kong, 1978, pl. 37.