A POLYCHROMED SOAPSTONE ‘LI BAI’ BRUSHREST QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the poet portrayed wearing scholar's robes, holding a wine cup and reclining in a relaxed posture against a wine jar, the details picked out in yellow, green, black and gold pigments, wood stand

The carving is in overall good condition. There are minor nicks to the extremities as consistent with age, including the rim of the cup, the tip of his hat and the hem of his robes, as well as tiny bruises. Some of the pigments of his robe may have been later added. The underside is also scratched and incised.
"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 figure appears to depict the celebrated Tang scholar Li Bai (701-762), one of the most acclaimed in Chinese history and a notorious drinker. A soapstone figure of Li Bai, similarly rendered in a reclining pose, from the collection of Mr George Taber, was sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2012, lot 172; another was sold in our Paris rooms, 15th December 2011, lot 259; and a third, was sold at Christie’s New York, 21st September 1995, lot 394.