an important signed bamboo 'ding' Qing dynasty, late 18th century

carved from a section of bamboo culm, well-modeled after the archaic bronze ding prototype, supported on tall tripod feet, the body of broad U-shape, finely inscribed continuously around the exterior in regular script with the 'Heart Sutra', signed 'Xing Rizhi from Gaochun [Jiangsu province], carved after taking a shower and perfumed', below a lipped mouth rim and two upright loop handles, the bamboo of reddish-brown color

Selections from the Lutz Bamboo Collection, Denver Art Museum, Denver, 1979, cat.no. 28, p. 30.
Mikimoto Exhibition, Tokyo, 1987, no. 14.

There are vertical age cracks on the exterior of the vessel. Chips and nicks to the sides of the loop handles and legs. In good overall 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It is interesting to note that this carving, notable for its refined form and subject matter, was the first acquisition of bamboo objects by Walter and Mona Lutz.

The 'Heart Sutra' is the essence of a larger body of Mahayana Buddhist literature called the Maha Prajnâpâramitâ Hridaya Sutra ('The Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra'). One of the most important Mahayana texts, the 'Heart Sutra' became popular for copying, most likely due to its brevity of 260 words. For a full translation see Edward Conze (tr.), The Short Prajnâpâramitâ Texts, London, 1973, p. 142f.

For other examples of bamboo carved in the form of archaic vessels, see the eleven works in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Views of Antiquity in the Qing Imperial Palace, Museu de Arte de Macau, Macau, 2005, pls. 120-127, 131-132, 137, 139-140. See also pls. 140 - 144 in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong, 1978, Part 1. A miniature bamboo gui and tripod censer were sold together at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th November 2005, lot 1582.