A BRONZE OPENWORK 'MOUNTAIN' BRUSHREST MING DYNASTY, JIAJING / WANLI PERIOD

exquisitely cast and conceived as a miniature landscape arranged on a rectangular tray, the attractive and elegant openwork brushrest cast with three pinnacles with three egrets standing against a background of verdant vegetation and large lotus blooms, a further egret soaring downwards above with outstretched wings, all resting on six ruyi feet, the patinated surface of a dark coppery-brown tone

Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, May 1984. 

There is minor surface wear and bruising, especially to the underside, but overall it is in 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."

This rare openwork brushrest is cast in the lost wax process in the overall shape of a three-peaked mountain. Another example is in the British Museum, cast with five peaks and equestrians, registration number 1986,0412.1. The form is found in porcelain in the Jiajing and Wanli reigns. For a Wanli reign-marked example sold at auction, see the example sold in these rooms, 20th November 1985, lot 50. For a brushrest of similar three peaked form, see the example illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in The Idemitsu Collection, Japan, 1987, pl. 734.

For a five-peaked mountain brushrest in jade, see the example from the collection of The Earl and Countess of Jersey, sold in our London rooms, 12th December 1989, lot 161 and again 16th May 2012, lot 22.