A CHENXIANGMU LIBATION CUP QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of irregular conical form, the sides carved with a continuous mountainous landscape in high-relief, the craggy rockwork surmounted by pines, bamboo, and various other trees as well as thatched mountain retreats, the wood of a deep brown colour, the interior covered with a layer of lacquer

Phillips, London, 18^th December 1996, lot 110.

The brushpot is made up of smaller pieces of wood joined together with lacquered seams. The seams are visible and the lacquering on the interior has some cracking and little lifting near at the base of the interior. The carving appears to be in very good condition with no chips and the rim has only a few light nibbles. The actual size is about 15% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Chenxiang mu (lignaloes) is a fragrant wood that has been held in high esteem in China with the best quality sourced from Southeast Asia. A number of small cups are known made of this wood, including the present example, generally after rhinoceros horn cups in appearance. Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss in Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 216, note that these cups are 'characterized by being made of separate sections of wood joined together, suggesting that it was commonly found in small pieces. It was also, along with sandalwood used as incense and was probably imported in small chunks for that purpose.' A brushrest made in chenxiang mu is included ibid., pl. 199. See three small cups made of this wood published in Bo Gyllensvard, 'Two Yuan Silver Cups and Their Importance for dating of Some Carvings in Wood and Rhinoceros Horn', Bulletin of the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm, no. 43, 1971, pp. 223-233.