A RARE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER BRUSHPOT (BITONG) QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form, the exterior finely carved in varying levels of relief, with a continuous depiction of the eighteen luohan, shown in groups or singly, each in characteristic pose among rocky outcroppings punctuated with sparse foliage, in the distance a dragon's head thrusts through roiling waves, all against a dark green ground of cresting waves, the interior and base lacquered in black  

Christie's London, 6th June 2000, lot 198.

There is an approximate 1/4 inch V-shape chip to the rim. There is an approximate 1 1/2 inch long diagonal section chipped and in-painted of the black wave ground now missing a red lacquer attribute belonging to the kneeling figure gazing upward. The base with a chip approximately 1 inch long. The surface, rims and extremities with scattered small nicks and expected wear.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A similar brushpot is in the Palace Museum Collection, Beijing and is illustrated in Zhu Jiajin and Xia Genqi, Zhongguo Qiqi Quanji Xian Qin-Qing, vol. 6, p. 188, no. 226. A related example depicting scholars was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2010, lot 2173.