AN EXCEPTIONAL BAMBOO 'TWO QIAOS' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the cylindrical brushpot with an everted mouthrim and splayed foot, boldly carved in positive relief with a continuous scene depicting the two Qiao daughters seated alongside each other in a demure manner reading a book held by one of them, the other figure holding a fan with both hands, both elegantly adorned in flowing robes with their hair neatly tied up, the background detailed with a large rootwood table supporting a large vase with large lotus blooms and pads stemming from within, the vase incised with characteristic Guan yao crackles, all deftly carved through the dark brown surface to the paler striated ochre ground beneath

Nicholas Grindley Ltd., London.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are characteristic age cracks emanating from the rim and base and several minute areas of restoration to chips at the rim (maximum 0.2 by 0.2cm). Otherwise good condition, with just minor 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."

Delicately carved in low relief against a plain ground, brushpots of this exceptional quality follow in the style developed by the master bamboo carver Wu Zhifan, who was active in the Jiading area during the early Qing dynasty. This carving technique became especially popular among his contemporaries, as it allowed carvers to achieve a painterly effect that resembled woodblock illustrations. It is interesting to note that the craftsman of this piece has chosen to include minor details that are often depicted on woodblock prints to enhance the naturalism of the scene, such as the fine matrix of crackles on the vase in imitation of Song dynasty guan ware, and the irregular veining of the rustic wooden stand.

A brushpot similarly carved with meiren, signed Wu Zhifan, in the Shanghai Museum, is illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Zhu mu ya jiao qi [Complete collection of Chinese art. Bamboo, wood, ivory and rhino], vol. 11, Beijing, 1987, pl. 11; one, in the Simon Kwan collection, was included in the exhibition Ming and Qing Bamboo, Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 35; another, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, was sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 4; and a fourth example, from the collection of Walter and Mona Lutz, was sold in our New York rooms, 18th March 2008, lot 44.

The motif carved on this brushpot is taken from the 14th century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, which tells the story of the two Qiao daughters. Considered great beauties, they were one of the causes of the Battle of the Red Cliff. The depiction of the sisters reading a book was a popular motif and appears in a variety of media.

For a white biscuit porcelain brushpot, carved in simulation of this form of bamboo brushpot, depicting the two Qiao daughters, see the example from the Robert H. Blumenfield collection illustrated in Gerald Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 42, to be offered in this series of sales.