Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat (B. 1943) 2010

ink and colours on cotton paper with calligraphy and three seals of the artist, framed

The overall condition is very good.
"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."

Inscription:

I first encountered the Riven Reality Star Staff as a tent-pole in Mongolia.  It took three pleasant days of negotiation and cost me all the goats I happened to have with me to buy the tent.  If you upturned it and set its tip on the Northern Star, pendulumed across the sky it acted as a useful if not perfect astrolabe.  I never knew a star-staff like it although they are rare [in any case].  It was my constant companion for several centuries before I gave it to the Toothless Fairy of Rippledown Creek who was more of a star-gazer than I.  Painting it, though, has never been a problem.  It is imprinted in my heart for ever.  But the other reason I gave it to him was because he owned a stone with which it bonded while we shared a mountain retreat in the mountains of Shu.  The stone had no apparent powers before I arrived with my staff but as soon as the staff floated near it, it became plastic.  When the staff settled on the ground by the hearth, the rock would soften and wrap itself protectively around the staff. 

Inscribed at the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat in the Spring of the year of two thousand and ten, as part of the series 'Resting Walking Staves' although I have rather lost track of the number in the series.