AN INSCRIBED ZITAN BRUSHPOT WITH CALLIGRAPHY BY LIU YONG QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form, the straight sides carved with the calligraphy by Liu Yong of a poem by Su Dongpo, all written in kaishu ('regular') script filled-in with gold, the wood of rich deep brown patina with characteristic golden grain

Christie's New York, 2^nd December 1986, lot 379.

The base of the brushpot has 5 splits in the wood radiating out from the central hole. The circular base plug, which may be a later replacement, but made of zitan, is loose and needs re-gluing. The brushpot is in good overall condition.
"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."

Brushpots carved with calligraphy were especially popular during the early Qing period and several can be found inscribed with a date. The present brushpot is decorated with the calligraphy by Liu Yong (1720-1804, a high official and famous calligrapher) following a poem by the Song poet and statesman Su Dongpo (1037-1101) responding to a similar poem by his contemporary, Mi Fu (1051-1107) in praise of the two Wangs (Wang Xizhi and his son Wang Xianzhi), known as the two sages of calligraphy.   

See a closely related dated zitan brushpot carved with the calligraphy of Song Guoting's preface to the Shu pu ('Treaties on Calligraphy') sold in our London rooms, 8^th May 1981, lot 78. The brushpot is dated to the xinwei year of Qianlong's reign (corresponding to 1751) and also bears the emperor's seal mark. Another brushpot of this type, dated to 1774, was offered in these rooms, 2^nd May 1995, lot 270.