A CARVED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT (BITONG) Qing Dynasty, 17th / 18th century

boldly carved in relief with a continuous panorama depicting 'The Orchid Pavilion Gathering', with four scholars gazing at the scenery from a pavilion, while others debate and meditate among the rockwork and around the stream, the landscape accentuated with pine trees, set on three short bracket feet, the wood of dark-brown color, wood stand (2)

Walter E. Lutz, 'Bamboo Brushpots', Arts of Asia, September-October 1975, p. 27.

In very good condition with fine patina. Some minor scratches to the mouth. Short vertical age cracks to the 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.

Walter E. Lutz, in his 1975 interview with Arts of Asia, designated this brushpot one of the highlights of his collection, explaining that it "is my idea of what a Ming pot should be."

The story of 'The Orchid Pavilion Gathering' originates in the Jin dynasty (4th century) and tells the story of a celebration during a spring festival, hosted by the renowned calligrapher Wang Xizhi and attended by a group of scholars in Shaoxing county, Zhejiang province. Situated in a lush garden by a stream, the men engaged in the famous game whereby cups of wine were floated down the stream, and whoever these cups stopped in front of, they had to immediately compose a spontaneous poem or forfeit by drinking two cups of wine. This account of the celebration was recorded by Wang Xizhi in a preface to the poems and is considered the calligrapher's most famous work and a masterpiece of calligraphy.

A brushpot depicting this story and carved in a very similar manner, but attributed to the Kangxi period, despite its Ming-style features, is illustrated in Simon Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2000, pl. 29. Another brushpot depicting scholars and their attendants was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th October 2001, lot 532.