A ZITAN 'PRUNUS' BRUSHPOT WITH CALLIGRAPHY BY WANG SHISHEN (1686-1759) QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form with slightly flaring sides, the flat base with a recessed center and a broad footrim, finely carved around the body with a branch of blossoming prunus growing from the mouthrim towards the signature and seal of the calligraphy on the reverse, a poem by the 14th century poet Gong Xingzhi titled Ti mei ('On the Plum Blossom'), signed Shishen with a circular seal Jinren ('Man of the Present Day'), the densely grained wood patinated to a deep reddish-brown colour with a lustruous surface

Christie's New York, 2nd June 1994, lot 19.

There is a vertical age crack to one side inside extending from the mouth rim to approx 2 cm on the exterior, with another vertical age crack opposite to it. There are three radiating age cracks on the base and another encircling its recessed center. However, the overall condition is quite good with an attractive patina and fine wood grain pattern.
"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 beautiful zitan brushpot bears the calligraphy of Wang Shishen, zi Jinren, hao Chaolin, Xidong waishi (1686-1759) of the Qing dynasty. Wang is variously listed as a native of both Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, but it is known that he lived most of his adult life in Yangzhou in Jiangsu province, where he was celebrated as one of the 'Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou (Yangzhou baguai). The Eight Eccentrics were a group of artist painters who rejected the orthodox school of painting in favour of a style that was individualistic and expressive. Wang was especially close to two others in this group, Jin Nong and Hua Yan.

Amongst his many talents, Wang specialized in the rectangular style clerical script. He was also skilled in carving which raises the possibility that he may have carved the inscription on this vessel himself. It is a poem by the late Yuan and early Ming dynasty poet, Gong Xingzhi titled Ti mei ('On the Plum Blossom') which can be found in the Siku quanshu ('The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries'),  Er ji: Yuanshi xuan ('Second Collection: Anthology of Yuan Dynasty Poetry'), 22:46b. The poem may be translated as follows:

          What's been on my mind my whole life, perhaps someone knows.
          If it were not for plum blossoms, I would not write any poems.
          Let no one go to the West Lake to tread on the remains of snow,
          for Eastern breezes mostly lie on boughs that face the south.