AN 'ODE TO THE LUO RIVER GODDESS' BAMBOO BRUSHPOT SIGNED ZHU GUI (1731-1806) QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG / JIAQING PERIOD

deftly carved in standard script with an excerpt from the Luoshen fu 'Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess' by the Han dynasty poet Cao Zhi (192-232), and signed Nanya (Zhu Gui), the finely grained section of bamboo of lustrous warm reddish-orange colour, set with dark wood base and rim mounts

The brushpot is in overall good condition with the exception of age cracks and minor surface wear as expected.
"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."

Nanya is the sobriquet of Zhu Gui (1731-1806), personal name Shijun, who was also known as Twisted Rock Old Man.  A high-ranking official and eminent scholar, as well as one of the foremost calligraphers of the latter Qing era, he was conferred the posthumous title Wenzheng ('Rectitude of Literary Culture') by the Jiaqing Emperor, who was a close personal friend (see Arthur H. Hummel, Eminent Chinese of the Ch'ing Period, vol. 1, Taipei, 1991, pp 185-86).

The poem on the present brushpot is an excerpt from the Luoshen fu [Rhapsody of the Luo River Goddess] by the prince Cao Zhi (192-232).