AN INSCRIBED HUANGHUALI BRUSHPOT WITH CALLIGRAPHY, SIGNED HUANG YI QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form with a slightly convex rim and a concave base centered with a loose plug, the straight sides carved with a poetic inscription in clerical script filled-in with greyish blue enamel, signed in running script Huang Yi, with hao Xiaosong, the wood well textured with a rich deep brown patina

The brushpot is generally in good condition with the exception of some light surface scratches outside and under the base. There are two circular age cracks in the wood on the base, extending each approximately 1/3 or the circumference of the base. The blue enamel in the carved characters is rubbed in areas and somewhat faded to grey. The wood plug in the center of the base has two chips to its edge.
"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 brushpot bears the signature of Huang Yi, zi Dayi, hao Xiaosong (1744-1802), a noted scholar and artist of the Qing dynasty, and a native of Renhe (present day Hangzhou) in Zhejang province. Huang excelled in calligraphy, landscape and flower paintings and seal carvings. He studied under the legendary seal carver Ding Jing (1695-1765), also from Hangzhou, making a name for himself with his works which are immediately recognizable for their simple yet elegant forms which display a deep understanding of the material and the subject matter. He became one of the 'Eight Masters of Xiling', a group of highly skilled and respected seal carvers from Hangzhou.

Huang's name appears on a number of works of art, including a bamboo seal included in the exhibition Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 15.

The inscription on the present brushpot is a close paraphrase of a Han dynasty work titled Liangzhou cishi Wei Yuanpi bei ('Stele dedicated to the Governor of Liangzhou Wei Yuanpi'). It may be translated as follows:

       There is a certain Bi Wan who changed states and served the Jin. Having had the opportunity to perform a meritorious service, he was enfoeffed in Wei. Then, when it came down to his honour, he was naturally endowed with a purity of qian (the perfect yang) pneuma (qi). He was respected for the way he administered districts for which he was responsible. He also lived a simple personal life, tended to speak out boldly, for which he may have caused offense but was utterly free of bullying or deceit. He both had a comprehensive grasp of the law and was thoroughly familiar with all canonical writings. Perceived to be both filial and honest, he was appointed vice-minister in the imperial secretariat, in charge of court affairs and official appointments. He was then singled out for appointment as prime minister, supervisor of all officialdom. Each time he was to be promoted, he refused, adamantly unmovable, and tried to make use of all precedents, heedless of the consequences. However, in the end he acceded to the emperor's will and followed established procedures. He investigated wrongdoing, assisting and correcting and for nine whole years was chief minister of the realm at the same rank.