A finely carved zitan 'dragon' brushpot Qing Dynasty, 18th century

the cylindrical vessel vigorously carved with nine five-clawed dragons writhing in and out of swirling waves, each with a long sinuous body covered in finely carved scales and ending with a webbed fan-shaped tail, enclosed within keyfret borders around the rim and the foot, supported ona petalled base with scrolling aprons and four ruyi shape feet, of deep chocolate brown tone with characteristic gold flecking

The overall condition is very good with only a few minor nicks to the rim and foot. The sides have a few natural minor age cracks. The interior has a few patches of old fill to the sides.
"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 present brushpot is notable for its remarkable high-relief carving. The magnificent five-clawed dragon is symbolic of the emperor and has been meticulously rendered with a ferocious expression, gaping jaws and flaring nostrils, while the finely detailed swirling waves add to the dynamism of the piece.

It is rare to find zitan brushpots carved with this energetic dragon design, although a slightly earlier example is illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Zhu mu ya jiao qi, vol. 11, pl. 86. Compare also a huanghuali brushpot similarly carved in high relief but with stylised dragons and phoenixes, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 50.