A CARVED IVORY 'SCHOLAR' BRUSHPOT 17TH – 18TH CENTURY

supported on a countersunk base, carved in low relief with a misty mountainous landscape, depicting a scholar seated on a low stool and holding a ruyi sceptre, while his attendant brews tea on a stove underneath a gnarled pine tree and a crane in flight

The brushpot is in overall good condition, with typical surface wear and expected age cracks, as visible on the catalogue photo. There are few minor cracks slightly opening to the base. There are a couple of old nicks to the mouth rim. The actual colour of the brushpot is slightly warmer, less yellowish and more orange compared to the catalogue photo.
"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."

This finely carved brushpot is notable for its delicately carved relief decoration, which has enabled the carver to achieve a painterly effect. The linearity of the carving of this piece and the rendering of the contrasting textures, from the luxuriant features of the landscape to the jagged rockwork and the loose clothing of the figures, are characteristic of contemporary woodblock illustrations. An ivory brushpot carved in low-relief with scholars in landscape is illustrated in S.E. Lucas, The Catalogue of Sasson Chinese Ivories, vol. 3, London, 1950, pl. 689, together with another related example, pl. 673. See also a brushpot carved in a similar linear style with a scholar in a pavilion signed Zhang Xihuang, published in Zhu mu ya jiao qi zhenshang[Appreciation of Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Horn], Tainan, 1995, pl. 149.