A BAMBOO 'PRUNUS' BRUSHPOT BY LI YING, QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY

the slender cylindrical brushpot bulging at the base and resting on three short feet, the exterior finely engraved with gnarled branches bearing prunus buds and blossoms, incised with an inscription reading Fang Liuru jushi bifa ('Emulating the brush-style of Liuru jushi') and signed Li Ying, the bamboo patinated to a warm reddish-brown colour

The brushpot is in overall good condition. There are expected minute flakes to the edges, including the inner foot. There are also several minor expected age cracks extending from the foot, consistent with its age and type. The actual colour of the bamboo is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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 brushpot is notable for its elegant design of a flowering prunus, which follows in the style of the celebrated Ming painter Tang Yin (1470-1523), as mentioned in the inscription. Well-controlled strokes of differing depths enhance the overall pictorial scene and reveal the dexterity of the carver, who skilfully manipulated his blade as he would his brush.

Li Ying, zi Yuzuo, hao Yupu and Litang, is recorded as a skilled calligrapher from Yixing county, in Jiangsu province.