A CARVED IVORY 'COURT MUSICIANS' PLAQUE SIGNED XU SHIXUE LATE QING DYNASTY – REPUBLICAN PERIOD

of rectangular section, deftly carved with eight female court musicians playing various instruments, including a pipa, a flute, a qin, the figures depicted dressed in elegant and loose flowing robes, all below a lantern and an incised inscription signed Xueshan jushi and followed by a seal mark reading Shixue, incised with a Jingye zhai mark, wood stand

The surface of the ivory is somewhat dry. An approx. 6 by 2 cm triangular section of the right border of the plaque has been broken and restuck. There are some age cracks extending upwards from the base onto the plaque as visible in the photo. The plaque itself is glued to the wood base. The carvings seem to be generally in good condition with occasional tiny chips or losses, including the chain suspending from the lantern to the pole, as well as sections of the ribbon billowing below that have chipped off and are now missing.
"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."

Xu Zonghao (1881-1957), hao Shixue, a key figure of 20th century Chinese art, was renowned for his paintings of bamboo and orchid, calligraphy, seal carving and collection. Xu was the Vice President of the Chinese Painting Research Institute, Beijing, probably one of the most important cultural organisations during the Republican period. He also collaborated with various contemporary painters including Qi Baishi and Yu Feian.