AN EXQUISITELY CARVED BAMBOO-ROOT 'CRANES AND PINE' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of tubular form, the brushpot carved to depict a hollowed-out tree trunk covered in burls and decorated with gnarled branches extending across the exterior, the branches issuing clusters of meticulously picked out pine needles, two cranes standing beneath a branch, their long beaks and fine plumage all naturalistically rendered, the countersunk base revealing a stippled grain, the patina of a warm reddish honey-brown colour

Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1st October 1985.

There are minute chips to the extremities, and two minor age cracks to the rim, but overall good condition.
"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."

The vibrant high relief carving and naturalistic rendering of the pine branches wrapped around the trunk follows the Ming tradition of bamboo carving developed by the three Zhus, the most renowned family of bamboo carvers active from the 16th century. Spanning three generations of master carvers, this family is credited with the establishment of Jiading as the centre of bamboo carving in China.

Compare a bamboo brushpot carved with cranes by Zhu He, in the Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, illustrated in Hai Bo, Zhu mu ya jiao qi zhenshang [Appreciation of bamboo, wood, ivory and horn], Tainan, 1995, pl. 30.

This charming brushpot is also notable for its attractive design of two cranes standing amidst a pine tree, a motif that is steeped in symbolism which made it particularly suited for the scholar’s desk. The aged bark of the pine tree (song), which is symbolic of venerability as well as longevity, together with cranes (he) forms the wish songhe changchun (“May you stay young forever”). The outdoor scene would also have provided the scholar with a means of escape from his official duties, while providing a form of inspiration for his scholarly pursuits.

Compare a brushpot similarly carved with this motif, published in Editha Leppich, Bambus in Kunst und Kunstgewerbe, Linz, 1980, pl. 16. Compare also two brushpots of this type, attributed to the early 17th century, included in the exhibition Chinese Bamboo Carving, Part II, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1982, cat. nos 4 and 5.