AN INSCRIBED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT SIGNED SHAN DABEN QING DYNASTY, IN ACCORDANCE TO 1785 OR 1845

of cylindrical form resting on three short feet, finely carved through the rich reddish-brown surface to the paler ground beneath with a scholar playing a qin, below lofty pines next to thatched pavilions built among cragged rocks and further cliffs in the far-distance, the reverse inscribed with a poem in cursive script, followed by the characters Yisi zhongqiu fengti, Ganshu daxiong qiushu mingqin tu, ji qingzheng ('respectfully inscribed for the Painting of Playing amongst Autumn Trees by Ganshu the elder brother in the eighth month of the yisi year', corresponding to 1785 or 1845), and signed Litang di Shen Daben ('Litang, the younger brother Shen Daben'), followed by two square seals reading Li and Tang

There are minute chips to the interior and exterior of the mouthrim and feet. There are typical age cracks to the exterior of the brushpot. Otherwise good 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."

Shen Daben, whose sobriquet was Litang, is recorded to be a Qing dynasty scholar from Wujiang, Suzhou.