A SUPERBLY CARVED SMALL BAMBOO 'SEVEN SAGES OF THE BAMBOO GROVE' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of cylindrical section and flaring slightly near the base, all supported on three short feet, well carved on the exterior in varying layers of relief depicting the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, three of them gathered around a table over a game of chess, one of them meditating reclusively, another three listening to a sage playing the qin, the surface of a warm honey-brown colour

Christie's Hong Kong, 28th April 2003, lot 736.

Overall good condition. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are typical age cracks‎, the most prominent of which are two age cracks from the foot, both of approx 2cm. Minute chips to the feet. General surface 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. 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."

This brushpot is carved with the favoured Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove motif, a group of scholars of the Wei dynasty (220-265) who had renounced their official status and career in protest against corruption. They advocated freedom of individual beliefs which were inspired by Daoist philosophy. The seven sages, pictured gathered amidst a bamboo grove drinking, composing poetry and enjoying each other’s company, came to represent scholars disenchanted with official policies and are symbols of an incorruptible scholar. The popularity of the subject throughout Chinese history is reflected in its reproduction on a variety of media, such as porcelain, jade and paintings. 

For another bamboo brushpot carved with the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, see the larger example offered as lot 3048.