AN EXCEPTIONAL CARVED ZITAN 'DRAGON AND PHOENIX' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form raised on an associated rounded base supported on five feet, masterfully carved in openwork and high relief with a complex web of interlocking sinuous chilong and a confronting dragon and phoenix on one side, all against a ground of low-relief swirling clouds, the rim embellished with a floral scroll in hardstones and mother-of-pearl, the eyes of the dragons occasionally inset with metal, the densely grained wood richly patinated to a deep reddish brown colour

There are a few section of the openwork carving that have chipped off, including a 2 cm section at the tip-end of the curling crest of the phoenix extending from behind its neck, another curling section of its crest towards the centre (both showing on the alternate view in the catalogue), a 3.5 cm section of the tail of the main dragon (showing on the 360 degree detail illustration in the catalogue). The base may be a later replacement and is somewhat loose. Some sections of the inlays on the rim are either replaced or missing, including a 9 cm. section of mother of pearl meant to be a spray of bamboo on the top of the rim. Some small section of metal originally accenting the eyes of the mythical creatures are also missing, although several are still there and visible on the catalogue illustration. There is some further wear to the surface, consistent with age, some scratches or old stains on the interior. The actual colour of the carved wood is somewhat less red, more deep brown with a warm patina when compared to the illustration in the catalogue.
"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."

Deftly carved with a complex web of interlocking sinuous chilong and a confronting dragon and phoenix on one side, this brushpot is a fine example of the bold creativity attained by artists working during the 17^th century. Although the chilong seen on this piece are well-known from jade carving and have been inspired by archaism, it is unusual to find them on brushpots in such a dynamic design. The composition of the brushpot would have had to have been conceived in its entirety to ensure the space was harmoniously filled while allowing the scene to unfold with every turn. Furthermore, it is particularly notable for the bodies of the creatures that are rendered in openwork and high-relief carving, which heighten the sense of movement and three-dimensionality, set against a ground of low-relief swirling clouds. The fine and dense grain of the precious zitan wood has enabled the carver to successfully capture the scene, while the inlaid foliate scroll at the rim heightens its luxuriousness.

Zitan brushpots carved with this intricate design are rare, although a related example, similarly inlaid at the rim with a scrolling vine interspersed with creatures, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 50, together with a zitan brushpot decorated with the same inlaid design at the rim, but carved with figures in a landscape, pl. 18. Compare also a brushpot carved with dragons and related inlaid scrolling rim, also in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Chinese Art. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhino, vol. 11, Beijing, 1987, pl. 67, and a late Ming dynasty perfumier from the collection of Wang Shixian, illustrated in Bamboo Carving of China, China Institute in America, New York, 1983, cat. Figs. 12 & 12a p. 27.