AN INTRICATELY CARVED IVORY BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

supported on a countersunk base, the cylindrical body rising to a flared rim, the exterior deftly carved with a continuous scene depicting seven sages engaging in various leisurely pursuits in a mountainous landscape set with a short staircase leading to a pavilion behind large craggy rockwork, two elderly sages depicted conversing with one another, one holding a brush near further rockwork with an attendant behind him, another three sages gathering, the tranquil setting arboured with large bamboo shoots and wutong trees and depicted with ruyi-shaped cloud swirls

The brushpot is in overall good condition with expected minor nicks to the extremities, including the edges of the leaves. There appears to be an approx. 6 cm. section that has been polished at the rim, with a stabilised section measuring approx. 1.7 cm above the tree. There is also overpaint measuring approx. cm between two sages in front of the pavilion near the foot to conceal an approx. 2 cm hairline crack extending upwards from the base. The actual colour of the brushpot is whiter 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."

For another ivory 'landscape' brushpot of this form in the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see Li Juifang ed., The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pp. 178-181, no. 152.