清康熙 竹雕雙喬並讀圖筆筒

the cylindrical brushpot with an everted mouthrim and splayed foot, boldly carved in positive relief with a continuous scene depicting the two Qiao daughters seated alongside each other in a demure manner reading a book held by one of them, the other figure holding a fan with both hands, both elegantly adorned in flowing robes with their hair neatly tied up, the background detailed with a large rootwood table supporting a large vase with large lotus blooms and pads stemming from within, the vase incised with characteristic Guan yao crackles, all deftly carved through the dark brown surface to the paler striated ochre ground beneath

Nicholas Grindley Ltd.，倫敦

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are characteristic age cracks emanating from the rim and base and several minute areas of restoration to chips at the rim (maximum 0.2 by 0.2cm). Otherwise good condition, with just minor surface wear.
"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."

本品筆筒， 刀技精絕，雕工緊緻，素地留白，施淺浮雕，獨屬一門，謂之薄地陽文。此門技法，由清初嘉定竹雕大家吳之璠所創，意在以畫理入竹，時人皆追之。本品匠者，悉心細做，刻求自然，木案之紋理、宋官之百碎，無不具細，無不入微。

可參考一相類例，署吳之璠款，藏上海博物館，錄《中國美術全集·竹木牙角器》，卷11，北京，1987年，圖版11。另見一例，關善明收藏，展《虛心傲節·明清竹刻史話》，香港中文大學文物館，香港，2000年，圖版35。亦見一例，瑪麗與莊智博伉儷收藏，售香港蘇富比2005年10月23日，編號4。再見一例，Walter與Mona Lutz收藏，曾售紐約蘇富比2008年3月18日，編號44。

筆筒所雕「二喬並讀」，古之經典，屬常見題材，源出三國演義。此書成於元末明初，由羅貫中所著。書中二喬，姿容絕美，傾國傾城，空使銅雀黃粱夢，引得曹操百萬兵。