AN INSCRIBED AND INLAID ARCHAISTIC ZITAN CUP SIGNED FANG YUNHONG, QING DYNASTY, DATED JIMAO YEAR (IN ACCORDANCE WITH 1759 OR 1819)

supported on three lingzhi-shaped feet, set with a stylised ruyi-handle inscribed with eight seal characters in wire inlay, reading Fang Yunhong zhi ('Made by Fang Yunhong') and jimao zhongdong ('the eleventh month of the jimao year', in accordance with 1759 or 1819), the cup carved with taotie masks separated by vertical flanges, all between　shou roundels and ruyi-clouds inlaid with jadeite, lapis lazuli or mother-or-pearl, the rim and the foot further encircled by wire-inlaid key-fret bands

There is a shallow chip to the mouth and other minor nicks especially at the foot. Age cracks and general surface wear. Some inlays possibly refixed.
"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 rare archaistic handle cup encapsulates the sophistication of Qing dynasty archaism. No other similar zitan vessel appears to be published, but the style of carving can be found in other Qing dynasty works of art created for the Imperial court. For a bamboo vase from the Qianlong period with similar treatment of the taotie mask, intricately carved in shallow relief, see the exhibition Views of Antiquity in the Qing Imperial Palace: Special Catalogue to Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Palace Museum, Macao Museum of Art, Macao, 2005, cat. no. 126. The silver inlaid seal script inscription on the cup also closely matches that on a zitan chilong cup, assigned to the 18th century, illustrated in C.Y. Tsai, Zitan. The Most Noble Hardwood, My Humble House, Taipei, 1999, pp. 198-199.