AN INSCRIBED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT BY WANG MEILIN, QING DYNASTY, JIAQING PERIOD |

of cylindrical form, raised on three feet, carved with a Tang poem by Bai Juyi in clerical script, signed Meilin shu with two further seals of the artist reading Mei and Lin, the text preceded by an incised seal impression qianyun ('thousand clouds')

The brushpot is in overall good condition with just typical age cracks and minute flakes to the edges.
"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."

Wang Meilin, also known as Wang Heng, represents the fourth generation of the famous Wang family of bamboo carvers. A native of Jiading during the Jiaqing Emperor’s reign, Wang carved predominantly in low relief. A brushpot of his in the Shanghai Museum, was included in the Museum’s exhibition Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2012, cat. no. 71; another example from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, was sold in these rooms, 2nd June 2016, lot 47.