A BISCUIT PORCELAIN BRUSHPOT, BY XU XINSHUN (1810-1860) QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form with straight sides, carved around the body with the baxian, the eight immortals standing in various poses on a grassy bank, surrounded by cragged rockwork below a gnarled pine tree, holding their respective attributes while greeting the arrival of the God of Longevity Shoulao on his crane, the base impressed with the four-character archaistic seal mark Xu Xinshun zhi

Sydney L. Moss Ltd, London, 1950s.
A Private English Collection.
Bonham's London, 10th July 2006, lot 187.

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."

This finely potted and decorated brushpot is by the hand of 19th century potter Xu Xinshu (1810-1860), member of a group of master potters who crafted carved porcelain and signed their names on their work. Others in this group are Chen Guozhi, Wang Bingrong and Li Yucheng, all artists at Jingdezhen during the early 19th century. See the brushpot lot 189 in this catalogue as well as another finely decorated white-glazed brushpot, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, offered in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 28, both attributed to Chen Guozhi, a member of this elite group of carvers.

Compare also an unsigned brushpot finely carved in a similar style with the figure of Gui Xing amidst swirling waves, offered in these rooms, 27th April 2003, lot 261, and again, 25th April 2004, lot 276.

The Eight Immortals, also known as the baxian in Chinese, evolved to their present form during the latter part of the Song Dynasty or possibly during the early Yuan period. Amongst the eight, three were historical figures while the rest are known from fables and romances. For a detailed description of the eight immortals, their history and attributes see Edward Theodore Chalmers Werner, A Dictionary of Chinese Mythology, Longwood, 1976, pp. 341-351.