清十九世紀 竹根雕曹國舅童子

carved in the round as Cao Guojiu standing and holding the clappers in both hands whilst looking at Lan Caihe standing to his right, Cao Guojiu adorned in loose robes and detailed with a meticulously incised beard, Lan Caihe similarly clad in loose flowing robes and supporting a basket with both hands atop his head, a large lingzhi bloom stemming from the basket, the backs of the figures accentuated with skilfully rendered cascading folds, the bamboo of a golden-brown ochre colour

Good condition, with just minor surface wear and abrasion to the fragile extremities.
"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."

Cao Guojiu is the only nobleman of the Eight Immortals, and always portrayed in formal court dress. He is identifiable by his Song dynasty official sceptre or clappers, as in the current bamboo figure. The clappers are said to be derived from the pass that gave him free access to the palace - a benefit of his rank. He was persuaded to reform his nefarious ways and live as a hermit, practising Daoism and joining the group of Immortals. Lan Caihe, identified as a hermaphrodite but often depicted, as in the current figure, as a young male, is traditionally depicted holding a basket of fruit or flowers. Legend has it that a stork carried him off to immortality.