AN INSCRIBED 'BAMBOO' TEAPOT AND COVER, SIGNED XU LICHENG AND QU YINGSHAO QING DYNASTY

of hexagonal form, carved to the shoulder with a bamboo shoot, accompanied by a four-character inscription Shu zuo bao ding, copied from the archaic bronze Shu Ding, followed by another inscription reading You Shu Ding ming size Ziye mo ('four-character inscription from the You Shu Ding, copied by Ziye'), the base with a seal mark reading Xu Licheng zao, the cover with a small seal to the interior reading Licheng

There are a few minute flakes to the rims and incised decoration. There are also some typical surface scratches and minor stains.
"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 Licheng was an accomplished zisha master in Yixing during the late Qing to early Republican period. Ziye is the hao of Qu Yingshao (1778-1849), who was a famous painter, potter and collector during the Qing dynasty.