清康熙 黃楊木鏤雕蒼松香筒

the slender vertical body naturalistically carved in the form of a gnarled pine tree trunk with two subsidiary branches bearing clusters of pine needles, one issuing from the base before splitting on each side of the trunk, the other growing down from the lip, the base and lip with irregular concentric rings to indicate weathered growth-lines, the wood patinated to a variegated, deep golden-brown and dark brown colour

The overall condition is good with a few short age cracks in the wood.
"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."

The design of this incense holder is after tree-trunk form vases and brushpots generally carved in bamboo that became popular in the late Ming dynasty and continued to be made in the Qing period. While boxwood carvings of this type are rare, it is a medium that was appreciated for its fine grain and rich tone of brown colouration.

See a closely related boxwood vase in the form of the trunk of an aged pine tree, superbly carved with gnarled roots and vigorously twisted branches issuing clusters of pine needles as seen on this piece, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 25.

For a related bamboo example compare a vase illustrated in Chinese Metalwares and Decorative Arts, vol. 2, Bath, 1993, pl. 335; and another published in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Part 1, Hong Kong, 1978, col. pl. 7, together with pl. 113, an irregularly shaped brushpot attributed to the 18th century with the material described as yuzhu or 'jade bamboo' as a mark of appreciation for its very fine texture.