AN INSCRIBED LACQUERED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT, SIGNED ZHUSHAN QING DYNASTY, JIAQING / DAOGUANG PERIOD

of cylindrical form and raised on three small feet, the exterior inscribed on rich orange lacquered ground with four poems, the first two in regular script and the other two in running script, the latter comprising Inscribed on One Stalk of Bamboo Extending Off the Paper and Cut Boughs of Orchids by Zheng Xie (Banqiao) (1693-1766), the last poem terminating with a signature by Zhushan ('Bamboo Mountain')

The overall condition is very good, except for a few shallow lacquer flakes to the rims, surface wear and minor dents, as well as some typical age cracks and old stains.
"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 signed Zhushan, who was a native of Yangzhou, active during the Jiaqing (1796-1820) and Daoguang (1820-50) periods. It is inscribed with the excerpts of four poems. The first two can be translated as follows:

The blossoms resemble those of the jinhua
And the leaves are just like those of hibiscus.

A five foot high railing cannot conceal it all
But still leaves half of it for people to see.

[Jinhua is the Rose of Sharon.  The poem, about the hollyhock, is anonymous but often quoted in late traditional and modern sources.  The locus classicus seems to be Jiang Yigui (active 1578-1598), Yaoshan tang waiji (Siku quanshu cunmu congshe ed.), 100:1b.

Peach blossom reds and pear whites all now once again new,
How good to pass before these blossoms for they indeed give one pleasure.
But know as the east brings them so does the west take them away,
And only for a short is spring allowed to play all over the garden.

The third and fourth poems were composed by the prominent painter and calligrapher Zheng Xie (1693-1766), better known by his sobriquet Banqiao. Titled Inscribed on One Stalk of Bamboo Extending Off the Paper and Cut Boughs of Orchids respectively, they can be translated as follows:

No wonder the painter loves the bizarre and unusual,
For here a bamboo stalk rises to the sky going I know not where.
If made to stand good and proper at the base of a wall,
It will caress the clouds and hold up the sun
for who knows how long! 

I often paint this epitome of the spring breeze, something beyond price,
One spray of bluish-green brings with it an entire bough of beauty,
Evoking in mind’s eye the dawning sun and birds in a wood,
And holding within it intense longing for days of the second month.