A BAMBOO 'PRUNUS BLOSSOM' BRUSHPOT BY DANCHENG, QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY, DATED TO THE DINGYOU YEAR (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1837 OR 1897)

the upper section of the irregular brushpot engraved with gnarled branches bearing prunus buds and blossoms, the lower section with a xingshu inscription highlighting and praising the crooked form of the bamboo culm, dated to the autumn season of the dingyou year (in accordance with 1837 or 1897), and followed by Dancheng tiyu qiuwei baoba hou ('Inscribed by Dancheng after the results-day of the imperial provincial examination')

The brushpot is in overall good condition with some fine age cracks and light surface scratches consistent with its age and type, as visible in the catalogue illustration. There are also minute bruises and flakes to the surface, especially to the edges such as the rim and foot.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Dancheng is a scholar unrecorded in traditional connoisseurship, who clearly inscribed this brushpot after taking the imperial provincial examinations. The inscription may be translated as follows:

Crooked but not stretched
Such rarity should be treasured
What you have I also have
Yet I am inferior to you
Alas bamboo
With your quality you could have reached the sky
However we praise your crookedness.