A FINE CARVED AND RETICULATED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT, BITONG 17TH CENTURY

of waisted cylindrical form raised on three short bracket feet, finely carved and reticulated around the exterior with a continuous rocky landscape scene enclosing a group of scholars playing go beneath an old gnarled pine tree, the wood patinated to a rich reddish-brown tone, two-character inscription

Nagel Auktion, Stuttgart, 6 June 2005, lot 206.

This finely carved brushpot is in very good condition with the exception of an 8mm., polished shallow rim chip, several short (circa 2-3cm.) hairline age cracks running vertically up from the base and down from the rim and very light scratches to the patination.
"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 the master bamboo carver Zhu Zhizheng, hao Sansong, the son of the celebrated carver Zhu Ying and the best known of three generations of carvers. A native of Jiading, Jiangsu province, he was active during the first half of the 17^th century. It is said that Zhu carved mainly for his own pleasure and one piece would take him several months to complete. His brushpots, figures, wrist-rests, incense holders and animal carvings were highly valued in their day and reflect the broad range of styles he was able to produce.

For further examples of brushpots signed 'Sansong', see one of similar style, carved in openwork with three scholars in a landscape, in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, illustrated in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, pt. 1, Hong Kong, 1978, pl. 37; and another decorated with figures in a landscape in low relief, sold in these rooms, 4^th November 2009, lot 24.