A BAMBOO BRUSHPOT MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of tall cylindrical form, the exterior carved and undercut in high-relief with a scene on one side with three scholars and one attendant standing on the banks of the West Lake observing the three pavilions in the middle of the lake lit by the moon, the reverse carved with a scene of two scholars seated on the banks of a lake below lofty cliffs, inscribed on each side with a short poem and signed 'San Song' on one side, the patina of deep chestnut tone

The overall condition is very good apart from natural age cracks. The thin node base has a Y-shaped star crack.
"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."

San Song was the hao of Zhu Zhizheng who was active in the late Ming Dynasty and lived in Jiading, Jiangsu province.  The Zhu family founded the Jiading school of bamboo carving, which flourished until the 18^th century.  See a brushpot signed 'San Song' illustrated in  Ip Yee and Laurance C.S. Tam, Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong, 1978, Part 1, p.204-205, no. 37, color plate 15.  A bamboo figure of Zhong Kui by San Song was sold in our New York rooms, 18^th March 2008, lot 48.