an important signed bamboo carving of Zhong Kui 17th Century

confidently carved with fine detail, depicted in the round with the bearded figure seated on a rock, his left leg crossed over the right, a wide-sleeved robe draped over his hunched shoulder and a sword strapped to his belt, a small attendant demon on his back cleaning his right ear, one of the demon's feet supported on the back of a seated demon wearing a tiger skin cape and playing a flute, the group of dark-chestnut color, signed San Song with an inscription translated as 'The ears have good news'

Selections from the Lutz Bamboo Collection, Denver Art Museum, Denver, 1979, cat.no. 1, p. 24.
Mikimoto Exhibition, Tokyo, 1987, no. 172.

 

Denver Art Museum, Art and the Chinese Scholar, 1981, back cover.

Excellent patina, with four small stress cracks on the base and two by the deity's left foot.
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.

The demon queller Zhong Kui plays an important role during the Dragon Boat Festival, when households place his image at the door to vanquish evil spirits. According to mythology, he was an 8th century scholar who had achieved top marks on the civil service examinations. However, his disfigured face repulsed the emperor and his honors were stripped. The emperor later bestowed him with the title of Demon Queller after Zhong Kui appeared in the emperor's nightmare to rid his dream of ghosts.

This group was carved by the renowned bamboo sculptor Zhu Zhizheng (alias San Song) of Jiading, Jiangsu province. He is believed to have been active during the reigns of Tianqi and Chongzhen. The Zhu family founded the Jiading school of bamboo, which flourished until the 18th century.

Another 17th century bamboo carving of Zhong Kui, unsigned, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th May 2002, lot 631. Another example, attributed to the Yongzheng through Qianlong periods, is illustrated in Simon Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 70.