A SMALL SOFT-PASTE CARVED 'PRUNUS' SEAL-PASTE BOX AND COVER BY CHEN GUOZHI, QING DYNASTY, JIAQING – DAOGUANG PERIOD

almost spherical in form and resting on a square countersunk base, decorated in high relief with a branch of prunus buds and blossoms spreading over one side, covered in a pale creamy glaze suffused with crackles, the base carved with the maker's mark Chen Guozhi zao in relief 

Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, acquired in Hong Kong, c. 1975-85.
Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London.
Collection of Robert H. Blumenfield.
Christie's New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1202.

Sydney L. Moss Ltd., Documentary Chinese Works of Art in Scholars’ Taste, London, 1983, cat. no. 103.

The lower section of the box has been broken and professionally refixed. There is restoration to the branch and the flange and to one of the flower heads on the cover.
"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."

Together with Wang Bingrong and Li Youcheng, Chen Guozhi was one of the three masters of the genre of carved porcelain. Chen’s work was described by his contemporary, Zhao Zhiqian, a calligrapher, seal carver and painter as one who "carved porcelain bottles with the technique of a painter, so pieces by him are absolutely unique in the whole world". As Chen’s work is sometimes dated, they allow for comparative dating of other potters to the same period. In 1847 Chen signed a brushpot carved with the Eight Immortals, "Shenbao commissioned Chen Guozhi to make this in the ninth month, Autumn, of the year dingwei, of the Daoguang reign".