A CARVED BAMBOO ROOT AND SILVER-MOUNTED CUP EARLY QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

of oval form, carved of a gently flaring knotty segment of the culm-stalk, rising from a recessed base surrounded by a flattened footrim, the branch growing on the side forming the handle, the sides naturalistically decorated with three concentric rows of uneven knots, the interior lined with silver

Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 148.

The cup is overall in good condition with wear consistent with age and minor age cracks and chips. There are expected minor dents and oxidization to the silver lining.
"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."

While the function of this rustic-looking yet elegant vessel remains a matter of debate - it could have served as a small water-pot, brush-washer or with its silver lining a drinking cup - in its material and organic form it symbolizes attributes which were important in the tradition of scholar's artefacts.

The importance of the bamboo material used for the making of this cup is worth noting:  it was highly treasured by the literati who admired this evergreen plant for its straight and sturdy nature. It may bend in the storm and wind but is strong enough not to break. For the Chinese scholar, the bamboo came to symbolize humility and fidelity, and strength of character with moral integrity. The node of the bamboo is called jie which is a rebus for the word uprightness qijie. Hence, the simple piece of bamboo, elegantly transformed into a 'rugged' drinking cup carried a symbolic weight associated with its user being a man of deep honesty.