AN INSCRIBED ZITAN BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of slightly flared cylindrical form, the exterior neatly incised with six poetical inscriptions in various scripts, each signed by a different carver, the wood patinated to a lustrous dark brown colour

Art of Chen, Taipei.

Good overall condition, with just minute nicks and insignificant chips to the base and mouth rim (most severe - a shallow scale chip of 1cm). General surface wear and scratching.
"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."

Zitan brushpots are amongst the most treasured items of the scholar’s studio, and the present example is especially noteworthy for the fine and confident carving of the calligraphy.

The present zitan brushpot bears a poetic inscription signed by an unrecorded scholar Guyan Zhuren (‘Master of Ancient Study’), who praised the refinement of the material and the simple elegance of the shape and wrote “to cherish [the brushpot] by stroking it repeatedly”. This brushpot later formed part of the collection of the Qing scholar Huang Zhanglun, who was well-read and excelled in bronze scripts and seal carvings, in addition to poetry, calligraphy and paintings. During the Jiaqing period, Taiwan-based Qing official Luo Zhongqiu acquired the brushpot, inscribed another poem with lines reading “exquisitely made from excellent material… so simple that it is worthy of appreciation”. Three other people also inscribed the brushpot. Two of them appear to be Li Weihan (1887-1940) and Wang Zhaoji (1907-89). Li, a literate and poet, served the government during the Republican period. Wang, originally a teacher, joined the party before moving to Taiwan. Unfortunately nothing is known of the third name Xinqu.