A Blue and White 'Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove' Bushpot, Bitong Qing Dynasty, Early Kangxi Period

of cylindrical form, the exterior painted with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove engaged in various literati pursuits, including playing the qin and inscribing calligraphy on a rock face, accompanied by young attendants, all set within a bamboo grove, the rim encircled with an ice-crackle band and the foot with dabs of washes

Sotheby’s London, 20^thApril 1971, lot 34.
Bluett & Sons, London.

Transitional Wares and Their Forerunners, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1981, cat. no. 95.
Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period (circa 1620-1680 A.D.) from the Collection of Mr & Mrs Peter Thompson, Hull University, Hull, 1985, cat. no. 103.

The rim polished; a small 2mm glaze flake to base; a faint semi-circular firing crack to foot with associated 5mm chip; an old 3mm chip to foot ring. The underglaze-blue painting finely executed and of a slightly softer tone than as shown in catalogue image.
"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."

This brushpot is notable for the confident style of brushwork which is reminiscent of Ming dynasty painting. The treatment of the figures and rocks, with their clearly defined outlines and washes of colour, and the jagged flecked details of the trees and rocks can be compared to a fan painting by Qiu Ying (c. 1495-1551/2), The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, included in the exhibition Taoism and the Arts of China, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, 2000, cat. no. 43.The ‘Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove’ were a group of scholars of the Wei dynasty (220-265) who had renounced their official status and career in protest against corruption. They advocated freedom of individual beliefs which were inspired by Daoist philosophy. The seven sages, pictured gathered amidst a bamboo grove drinking, composing poetry and enjoying each other’s company, came to represent scholars disenchanted with official policies and are symbols of an incorruptible scholar. The popularity of the subject throughout Chinese history is reflected in its reproduction on a variety of media, including paintings, jade and bamboo carvings and porcelain.