A RARE INSCRIBED BAMBOO 'MAGNOLIA' WRISTREST BY ZHAO ZHICHEN AND GU XIMEI, INSCRIBED BY WU HUFAN, QING DYNASTY, JIAQING PERIOD |

of arched rectangular form, the top carved with magnolia blooms borne on long leafy stems, signed Ximei Jushi on the right and Cixian zhi on the left, the reverse decorated with a scholar against a background of cloud scrolls, further incised with an inscription reading Chengcha tu ('Riding a log raft') and Ximou Luo hua ('Painted by Ximou Luo'), the lower left corner with a square collector's seal reading Wu Hufan cang

Collection of Wu Hufan (1894-1968).

The wristrest is in overall good condition with some minor bruises and flakes to the edges. There are tiny areas of light staining to the surface.
"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."

Another closely related bamboo wristrest by Zhao Zhichen in the Shanghai Museum  is illustrated in Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 83. The current wristrest was in the collection and inscribed by the artist Wu Hufan (1894-1968), a prolific collector of classical paintings and literati works of art. Many of his paintings have the subject matter of bamboo, including 'Lush Bamboo by the Rock', sold in these rooms, 4th April 2017, lot 1498.