Lot 3140
  • 3140

A BLUE AND WHITE 'LANDSCAPE' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

Estimate
500,000 - 700,000 HKD
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Description

of broad cylindrical form, vividly painted around the exterior in shades of cobalt blue with a continuous lakescene depicting two fishermen navigating their junks rigged with square sails blown by the wind on rippled waters below a gaggle of geese in the distance, meanwhile on the banks a farmer follows an ox passing below wind-blown willow trees, and a scholar and his attendant cross over a rocky ledge toward stilted houses sheltering two figures conversing on a veranda, below a thatched pavilion on a nearby hill, all between double-line borders encircling the rim and base, the base with a central recessed roundel, partly glazed save for a broad ring left in the biscuit and applied with a pale yellow wash

Condition

Apart from light surface scratches around the brushpot, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This brushpot is notable for the style of painting that expertly combines washes of cobalt with confident lines to create an idyllic scene. The popular theme of scholars retreating in a pavilion within a pastoral landscape provided scholars with a means of temporarily escaping the responsibilities of official life in the court. Traditionally the subject of painting, the craftsman has effectively translated this onto a brushpot, an essential item of the scholar’s desk. 

Related brushpots of this type and decoration include one from the collection of Robert Chang, sold at Christie’s New York, 25th March 2003, lot 259; another sold in these rooms, 17th May 1988, lot 154; and a third example sold in our New York rooms, 9th December 1983, lot 348.