A CARVED BOXWOOD BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

in the form of a pine tree trunk, naturalistically carved with an eagle perched on a single branch that grows down from the lip, with vines of ivy growing up the side of the trunk, intertwined with the branch and the clusters of pine needles growing from it, the wood of rich, golden brown colour, wood stand

The Mary and George Bloch Collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 23rd October 2005, lot 1.

Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 215.

The overall condition is very good apart from a few stable age cracks (one filled-in). There are a couple nibbles on the wings and tail of the eagle. The interior with old ink stains from use. The patina is smooth and lustrous.
"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."

A closely related boxwood brushpot carved with blossoming branches was included ibid., cat. no. 59; and another made in the same wood in the shape of an old prunus stump is illustrated in Paul Moss, Documentary Chinese Works of Art in Scholar's Taste, London, 1983, pl. 72. Also compare a brushpot published in Wood from the Scholar's Table: Chinese Hardwood Carvings and Scholar's Articles, Hong Kong, 1984, pl. 23;  one from the collection of Dr. Ip Yee, included in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Part I, Hong Kong, 1978, col. pl. 34 and pl. 113; and a third boxwood vessel superbly fashioned in the form of an aged pine-tree trunk, from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, sold in these rooms, 23^rd October 2005, lot 25.

The eagle (ying) in China represents the fierce hunter. Its name in Chinese is homophonous with the first character of hero (yingxiong), hence, an eagle perched on a tree or rock represents the independent heroic spirit.