A FINELY CARVED 'HORSE' BAMBOO BRUSHPOT, SIGNED SHANG XUN QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of slender cylindrical form, naturalistically carved in low relief and reticulated with four horses in different poses under a leafy wutong tree in a craggy landscape beneath scrolling clouds, the animals detailed with striated manes and tails, being observed by a male figure in voluminous robe behind a rock, the left of the tree incised with two characters Shang Xun in seal script, the bamboo of a rich ochre patina with the top layer of bamboo skin subtly employed to create contrasting shades and depth

Acquired in Paris between the 1970s and the early 90s.

There are a few patches of red stains to the exterior. There are vertical age cracks and small associated chips but overall the condition is quite good. The brushpot has an attractive patina of a golden-yellow tone.
"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 exquisite brushpot is signed by the master bamboo carver, Shang Xun, who was renowned for his skills in the liu qing technique of carving and active during the Jiaqing (1796-1820) and Daoguang (1821-50) periods. Liu qing or 'positive relief' carving is a technique whereby a thin layer of the bamboo skin is retained and carved upon. Carving to different depths of the bamboo creates varying levels, shades and depth of colour to achieve a strong three-dimensional effect as seen in this piece. The liu qing technique was used as early as the Tang dynasty and examples can also be found from the 16th century; however it completely disappeared until the mid and late Qing period when its popularity grew with its re-emergence.

Another brushpot signed Shang Xun include one sold in these rooms, 9th October 2007, lot 1627. Simon Kwan in Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 83, notes that 'many of his brush pots are in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, but none are dated. Also worthy of study is a wrist-rest illustrating 'rafts for carrying deer' that has survived in the Fujiki collection in Japan. It is dated the second year of Jiaqing, dongsi, mid-summer, Shang Xun'.