A rare carved coconut brushpot (bitong) Qing dynasty, 18th / 19th century

the fine and intricately carved coconut surface joined in narrow horizontal strips to form the cylindrical vessel, the exterior carved in low-relief with detailed scrolling flowering vines terminating in dragon heads, the flared foot carved with a border of laterally oriented floral scrolls and dragons, of rich deep-brown color

Dulany's Gallery, Birmingham, MI.
Sotheby's New York, 25th September 1986, lot 265.
Thereafter with the present owners.

Old chips and nicks to the mouth rim and foot rim, the largest on the foot rim 5/8 inch long. Some small losses to the coconut where the foot meets the vessel. The interior lined with old gilt paper, now fragile and creasing along the horizontal coconut strips, with losses to the bottom.
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.