A CARVED BAMBOO BRUSH HANDLE

the bamboo of a honey-brown tone, the end naturalistically made from the root, the cylindrical shaft deftly carved in liuqing technique with a semi-circular archaistic motif, inscribed in seal script two characters changle (‘eternal happiness’), resembling a Han dynasty tile-end, superimposed by a rectangular panel with four vertical characters, also in seal script, reading Yanggong dajian (possibly translated as ‘Lord Yang Dajian’), all above two small incised characters Gongzhuang (‘palace estate’), the root end perforated for suspension

Apart from occasional light scratches, wear and stains to the surface and natural age cracks on the culm-stalk terminal, the overall condition is quite good. The brush bristles are most likely later replaced and bear ink stains. The patina of the bamboo is of a somewhat warmer and deeper hazelnut tone compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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 much smaller Wanli mark and period bamboo brush, carved with birds, flowers and rocks, from the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, is illustrated in Ip Yee and Laurence C. S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong, 1978 and 1982, part 1, pl. 1. A pair of carved bamboo brushes was sold in our New York rooms, 16th March 1984, lot 163; and a single brush and cover, attributed to the late-Qing period was offered at Christie’s London, 11th May 2010, lot 66. See also a brush with a lotus design by Wang Fanmu, included in the exhibition Ming and Qing Bamboo, the Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2000, cat. no. 163.