清十八／十九世紀 竹刻詩文筆筒 《杏谿書》款

of cylindrical form carved of two nodes of bamboo, the slightly irregular sides rising from three short feet to a slightly convex lip, inscribed in running script around the body with two poems purportedly taken from paintings, signed Xingxi, the bamboo patinated to a warm yellowish-brown colour, Japanese wood box

本品附有日本昭和四年（1929）收據

Apart from some vertical age cracks, the overall condition is quite good. The interior is stained with ink from years of use.
"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."

The poems inscribed on the present brushpot may be translated as follows:

          As a mountain hermit lives a secluded life
          deep in the bamboos and trees,
          Where birds come home and blossoms fall,
           the day grows dark and then darker.
          A traveller with a staff hobbles on
          often losing his way.
          Isn't it the sound of someone reciting books that he
          searches for everywhere?

          Spring clouds all fly away revealing green mountains,
          below them someone's house (can be seen) at the bend of  a stream.
          I left my boat to drink wine and return home late,
          At the little bridge with its young willows,
          birds call intermittently.

The inscription Xingxi xie (written by Xingxi) possibly refers to the prominent poet Cheng Mengxing (1678-1747) whose sobriquet was Xingxi, and whose lines were borrowed for the decoration of this piece.