A CINNABAR LACQUER BRUSH HANDLE AND COVER MING DYNASTY, JIAJING PERIOD

the long cylindrical handle carved in relief with a continuous landscape scene enclosing an acolyte and boy below a pine tree and moonlit sky, set between bands of pendant leaves, the brush end encircled by a keyfret, the cover carved with a fourteen character inscription between a floral band and a keyfret, the end decorated with a floret

Apart from a small chip to the cover of approx 0.3 by 0.2cm, and minute nicks to the carving, the piece is in good condition overall.
"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."

Two carved cinnabar lacquer brush-holders were included in the exhibition Ming Lacquer, Bluett and Sons, London, 1060, cat. nos 20 and 21; another brush handle and cover carved with figures in landscape was included in the exhibition 2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no. 52; and a fourth example decorated with Daoist figures in landscape, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is illustrated in James C.Y. Watt and Barbara Brennan Ford, East Asian Lacquer. The Florence and Herbert Irving Collection, New York, 1991, pl. 30.  Also compare a similar brush handle with inscription on the cover, sold in these rooms, 10th April 2006, lot 1712.

Compare also four carved cinnabar lacquer brush handles and covers, all attributed to the Ming dynasty, in the Tokugawa Art Museum collection, published in Karamono. Imported Lacquerwork – Chinese, Korean and Ryukyuan (Okinawa), Nagoya, 1997, pls. 70-73.