清 竹雕留青八老圖臂擱

of cylindrical-segment form, the convex surface deftly carved in liu qing technique with eight scholars engaging in leisurely pursuits in a scene detailed with numerous wutong, willow and pine trees, the landscape with verdant vegetation and jagged looming boulders, the foreground decorated with a scholar crossing a bridge, a further scholar depicted fishing with another looking over his shoulder, four others gathering and admiring a scroll, the scene further picked out with several acolytes holding scrolls and preparing tea, the upper left section with an inscription and signed with the characters Li and Qiu, followed by two seal marks reading li and qiu respectively, all lightly carved through the paler ochre skin to the warm honey-brown body beneath, Japanese box

Brian Harkins Oriental Art，倫敦

There is a 0.1cm nick to the rim, and minor surface wear, but overall good condition.
"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."

臂擱刻畫了某地八位長者的一次山齋雅集。文獻記載，舊時農曆新春與中秋時節，地方耆宿每有舉行八老會、九老會之雅集，詩酒唱和、遊山玩水，地方名士與青年才俊應邀與會，為太平年歲特有之盛事。臂擱以山齋停落前一組依案賞畫老者為中心，兩童子處其前後，一人低身搖扇煮茶，一人立身抱琴慢行。前方岸邊，一長者坐石磯把竿垂釣，一長者兩手握身後作低首觀水狀。遠處石橋上，一長者扶杖前行，一童子抱琴隨後，長者為因故遲到抑或起興漫步，可資緬想。而一長者處山齋閣樓之上，緣詩興勃發思把筆抒懷，或為拿取雅物以供欣賞，兩者似皆有可能。畫面近山低披，遠山峻拔，楊柳、松樹、梧桐、芭蕉點綴其間，使畫面充滿生趣。臂擱上題：「鳥飛一水紅塵外，人在三山圖畫中。」款作「李秋」並刻同名印。作者李秋，竹人文獻無載。