A RARE CARVED ZITAN STONE-INSET BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

carved in the form of a hollowed-out tree trunk with a knotty surface accentuated with burls, all supported on three short hemispherical feet, the sides inset with a spinach-green and natural grey pebble, the wood patinated to a warm reddish-brown colour

Paul Moss, The Literati Mode: Chinese Scholar Paintings, Calligraphy and Desk Objects, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1986, no. 64.

The brushpot is in good overall condition with some surface wear and expected occasional light scratches. There are some pitting and crags showing on the interior walls. There are a few expected dents along the edge of the base, all patinated with age. There is a star crack and a radiant crack on the base showing through on the interior. The actual colour is somewhat deeper and warmer compared to the illustration. The stone inset is slightly less yellow. All together a very nice brushpot.
"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 notable for the stones inset in the wood to create an aesthetically engaging piece; compare another brushpot of this naturalistic form and inset with three stones, but also inscribed with a Qianlong imperial poem, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s exhibition Jiangxin yu xiangong Ming Qing diaoke zhan. Xiangya xijiao pian, Taipei, 2009, cat. no.27, where it is mentioned that the irregular openings were formed naturally during the tree’s growth as the stones were caught into its trunk, p. 186. Compare also a zitan brushpot carved as the section of a tree trunk, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2001, pl. 51; one included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1985, cat. no. 71, together with a nanmu example, pl. 24; and another, but of larger size, sold in these rooms, 26th October 1993, lot 372.