A FINELY CARVED BAMBOO-ROOT 'BUFFALO' BRUSHREST SIGNED ZHU SANSONG 17TH CENTURY

meticulously carved as a mountainous landscape depicting a water buffalo emerging from underneath a tall craggy cliff into an open area surrounded by low rocks, in the foreground a gnarled pine tree growing amidst wutong trees, inscribed in seal script with an apocryphal signature reading Zhu Sansong zhi ('made by Zhu Sansong') on the reverse, with an attractive patina of rich caramel brown tone, hongmu stand

Collection of Edward T. Chow (1910-80).
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 3rd/4th May 1994, lot 327.

One Man's Taste, Treasures from the Lakeside Pavilion, Baur Foundation, Museum of Far Eastern Art, Geneva, 1988, cat. no. W11.

It is in overall very good condition, except for some expected minute nicks to the extremities. There was possibly a figure in front of the buffalo which is now missing.
"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."

Expertly modelled in the round with a buffalo roaming in a vast landscape, the carver of this piece has skilfully incorporated the natural nodes of the bamboo root to create an idyllic miniature landscape. Brushrests of this type were an essential item of the scholar’s desk, serving both as utilitarian vessels and as sources of inspiration for reflection through the carved scene. The water buffalo in China has traditionally been associated with the pastoral ideal and literati culture; hence the establishment in the Song dynasty (960-1279) of the tradition of presenting scholar-officials objects depicting oxen as congratulatory gifts.

Three brushrests carved with a figure tending a water buffalo were sold in our New York rooms, one was sold, 27th February 1981, lot 307, and two, from the Walter and Mona Lutz collection, were sold, 18th March 2008, lot 55. Compare also brushrests carved with an intricate miniature landscape, such as one in the Shanghai Museum, included in the Museum’s exhibition Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2012, cat. no. 43; and another in the Hong Kong Museum of Art, included in the Museum’s exhibition Chinese Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong, 1978, vol. 1, cat. no. 19.

Zhu Sansong was one of the most prominent bamboo carvers from Jiading active in the 17th century. He was renowned for his sculptural and three-dimensional style and was widely emulated by his contemporaries who often signed their works with his name.