A GILT-DECORATED HARDSTONE 'LANDSCAPE' BRUSHPOT MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of cylindrical form, the exterior intricately painted in gilt with a continuous scene depicting a landscape with river scene, large wutong and maple trees, a pagoda and several pavilions nestled amongst the jagged cliffs and mountains, two fishermen depicted paddling along the river, the base inscribed in gilt with a four-character reign mark within a double-square, wood stand

Morisada Hosokawa, Itsutokuroku [Wisdom in pieces], Tokyo, 1982, no. 109.

The overall condition is quite good with only some expected wear to the gilt decoration. The stone has some natural veining, including one of approx. 2 cm to the rim. The actual colour is slightly more tinged with celadon than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

In its delicate rendering of a continuous rocky landscape interspersed with figures and pavilions, this brushpot follows in the tradition of Chinese painting by treating the flat white surface as a horizontal handscroll. It represents the Qianlong Emperor’s love for traditional Chinese ink painting as well as his innovative approach towards experimenting with various unconventional materials. With each turn of the brushpot the scene is unravelled, inviting the viewer to enter and explore the landscape revealed before them. Similarly decorated jade brushpots include two sold in our New York rooms, the first adorned with a landscape, 17th April 1985, lot 249, and the second with a blossoming prunus tree and rocks, 11th and 12th April 1990, lot 275A; and another jade brushpot, but depicting iris and prunus blossoms, sold in our London rooms, 15th April 1983, lot 185.

Compare also a Qianlong mark and period sepia-decorated porcelain brushpot, similarly rendered with a fine continuous landscape, sold three times in these rooms, 19th May 1982, lot 339 and 19th November 1986, lot 290 and most recently, 10th April 2006, lot 1527.