A FINELY CARVED BAMBOO 'ODE TO THE RED CLIFF' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form resting on three short feet, the exterior well carved in varying levels of relief with a continuous figural landscape depicting Su Shi's first visit to the Red Cliff with his companions, the figures portrayed on a raft, two at the back steering the vessel towards the Red Cliff, three seated around a table in the centre of the deck, and another two attendants at the bow, the riverscape accentuated with a mountainous background and overhanging pine trees issuing from the cliffs, the patina of a slightly reddish-brown colour

The brushpot is in overall good condition, with the exception of a tiny stablised flake of approx. 0.5 cm to one foot. There are also several expected age cracks, minor stains, light dents and typical nicks to the fragile extremities, including the branches and the raft.
"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."

Another closely related 'Ode to the Red Cliff' bamboo brushpot in the Shanghai Museum is illustrated in Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2001, p. 43, pl. 11. The scene depicts the celebrated scholar-official Su Shi (1032-1101), making an excursion to the Red Cliff. Compare a bamboo brushpot illustrating the same subject matter signed Deng Wei, sold at Christie’s New York, 19th September 2007, lot 33; another, from the Lutz collection, sold in our New York rooms, 18th March 2008, lot 49.