A PAIR OF INSCRIBED ZITAN 'PRUNUS' PAPERWEIGHTS QING DYNASTY, XIANFENG – GUANGXU PERIOD, DESIGNED BY QIAN QINGHE, CARVED BY XIAOCHUN

each of flattened rectangular form, incised with a design of flowering prunus branches, the compositions completed by the pair, one weight signed in the upper margin Bosheng xie ('sketched by Bosheng') and in the lower margin of the other Xiaochun kan ('carved by Xiaochun')

The pair of paperweights are in overall good condition with just typical surface wear and shallow flakes and nicks to the edges and corners. The actual colour of the zitan is darker than 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."

Although the carver is unrecorded, the original painting or sketch for the design was by Qian Qinghe (1829-82) who also went by the given name Qinghe. His personal name was Bosheng, and he was a native of Xiushui (present day Jiaxing, Zhejiang). Qian attained the juren degree in the 8th year of the Xianfeng era (1858) and subsequently served as the magistrate of Suzhou and Changzhou. Like his forebears, he excelled at painting, especially prunus blossoms.