A SUPERB AMBER BRUSHWASHER AND STAINED GREEN IVORY STAND QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

exquisitely carved from a single piece of amber in the form of a squat lotus flower, the exterior with two rows of overlapping petals detailed with fine incisions issuing from the stamen centred on the underside with an undulating stem, a chilong depicted clambering on the exterior of the vessel, the translucent stone of a deep red tone with its characteristic network of fine crackles, the stand skilfully carved to complement the washer with stained ivory in the form of a furled lotus leaf borne on a curling stalk issuing further lotus pods and buds, the leaf decorated with a naturalistically rendered frog and two small snails, the stained ivory of a warm russet tone transmuting to a variegated green colour

Spink & Sons Ltd., London.

The Minor Arts of China, Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1989, cat. no. 32.

There are two chips to the stem of the underside measuring 0.3 and 0.4 cm. General surface wear and scratching, especially to the interior. There is a 0.5 cm circular notch to the interior, possibly natural and used as support for an implement. Ivory stand: minor losses (largest 0.3 cm) to the fragile exterior and small nicks.
"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."

Brushwashers of this type were created for the scholar’s desk, and amber was generally preferred over other materials for its warmth and tactile properties which were believed to improve blood circulation after long bouts of writing with the brush. The lotus was a favourite motif amongst scholars for its symbolic association with purity, as the flower emerges white from dirty waters.

For another amber washer carved in the shape of flowers, see Documentary Chinese Works of Art in Scholar’s Taste, Sydney L. Moss, London, 1983, cat. no.  102.