AN IVORY 'PINE TREE TRUNK AND CICADAS' WRIST-REST, SCHOOL OF AND POSSIBLY BY ZHOU YI LATE QING DYNASTY

naturalistically carved in the form of a pine tree trunk, the slightly curved knotty section of bark growing two gnarled branches of clusters of pine needles, one of them extending to the underside to further reveal two finely detailed and painted confronting cicadas hiding below

Sotheby's Paris, 18th December 2008, lot 94.

There are two age cracks to one cluster of pine-needles, a 2 cm age crack above rim at one extremity, but overall the wrist-rest 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."

There is a group of extremely well carved ivory objects, including wrist-rests and vessels for the scholar's studio, that may be attributed to the influence of master artisan Zhou Yi (1830-1920), who was known for his exceptional wood and ivory carvings. Zhou was active in the late-Qing period and amongst his pieces is a signed ivory fan-frame illustrated in Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, pl. 58, together with an unsigned frame carved in wood attributed to Zhou, pl. 25. See also a paper fan with boxwood mounts attributed to the school of Zhou Yi, sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2197.

The skilful and naturalistic carving of the insects on the inner curve is closely related to that seen on another wrist-rest possibly by Zhou, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, first sold in these rooms, 19th November 1986, lot 314, and again, 23rd October 2005, lot 113. The pine needles and the delicate manner in which the branches extend from the exterior to the interior are similar on both pieces. Compare another wrist-rest in the form of a prunus trunk sold in our New York rooms, 23rd April 1987, lot 293.