A BLUE AND WHITE 'FIGURAL' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD |

of slightly waisted form, finely painted in varying tones of underglaze blue with a military scene centering on an imperious general standing in front of an encampment receiving news from a messenger carrying a banner emblazoned with the character ling (order) identifying the figure as a courier and allowing him to deliver news unimpeded during battle, their fluttering garments emphasizing the dramatic moment, chevron bands above and below, the base with an apocryphal Chenghua four-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle, coll. no. 365.

Knapton & Rasti Asian Art, London, 2001.

The brushpot is in good condition with only some very light expected wear 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.
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.

The rhythmic, linear rendering of the rockwork and the landscape depicted by loosely-formed, washy 'blobby dots' recall the style known as 'Master of the Rocks'. This painterly style, reminiscent of late Ming dynasty artists such as Wang Jianzhang, is represented on scholarly objects made by the artisans of Jingdezhen from the 1640s through the 1690s. The present brushpot is a fine example of the late expression of this famous style. The fine potting, quality of the cobalt blue, inclusion of chevron borders and the Chenghua mark inscribed loosely on the base are consistent with other wares made in the early to mid-1690s.