A Boxwood 'Bird and Tree' Brushpot Qing Dynasty, 17th Century

of irregular form, naturalistically carved and hollowed as the gnarled section of a mature tree issuing leafy twigs, deftly detailed with occasional bark splits simulating wormage and  two sparrows perched on a branch observing a third sparrow leaning above, the wood of rich reddish-brown colour with a smooth patina

There is possibly an old restored flake to the tip of one branch near the base and there are a few natural age crack showing on the rim and estneding onto the walls of the brushpot, but overall the brushpot is in very 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."

This charming brushpot, naturalistically modelled in the shape of a tree trunk, embodies a rustic quality which reflects the scholarly aesthetic trends of the period. A similar brushpot was included in the Oriental Ceramic Society’s exhibition Arts from the Scholar’s Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 59. Further examples of tree trunk-form brushpots include one illustrated in Hai Bo, Zhumu yajiao qi zhenshan, Tainan, 1995, pl. 82; another sold in our New York rooms, 7th/8th April 1988, lot 361; and a third example sold in these rooms, 9th October 2012, lot 3094.