A SUPERBLY CARVED BAMBOO-ROOT 'IMMORTAL AND ATTENDANT' GROUP QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

skilfully carved as an immortal and his attendant beneath a cragged boulder, both figures looking alertly in the same direction to their left, the immortal seated leaning on his left hand whilst resting his other hand on his upturned right knee, his attendant standing behind a cluster of wutong blossoms issuing from the rocky ground, all supported on a base carved as a jagged slope, the patina of a stippled pale reddish-brown colour

Alan Hartman, New York.

Overall good condition, with just minor age cracks typical of the period, as visible in the catalogue, and general surface wear.
"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."

The exceptional skill of the carver of this evocative landscape group is demonstrated by the care taken in working within the constraints of the bamboo root, with its natural contortions, bulges and nodal markings, to achieve the composition. It is one of a small group of miniature landscapes of outstanding quality, which although technically can be classified as brushrests, are more likely to have been high quality ornaments on a scholar's desk.

For a closely related example in the Shanghai Museum, similarly composed with an Immortal amidst a landscape and dated to the Qianlong / Jiaqing period, see Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2001, cat. no. 43. See also an example with a scholar set against rockwork and pine, illustrated by Paul Moss, The Literati Mode. Chinese Scholar Paintings, Calligraphy and Desk Objects, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1986, cat. no. 50.