AN YIXING STONEWARE BRUSHPOT INCISED BY QU YINGSHAO, QING DYNASTY, JIAQING – DAOGUANG PERIOD

of cylindrical form, the exterior skilfully potted with irregular texture and carved in low relief with leafy bamboo, accompanied by an inscription signed Ziye, the base with an indistinct seal mark

Collection of Bunny Rogers (1911-97).
Sotheby's London, 30th January 1998, lot 1112.

Good overall condition, with just insignificant surface wear and firing irregularities.
"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."

Notable for its uneven and ragged surface, this brushpot was commissioned by Qu Yingshao (1780-1849), zi Ziye, hao Yuehu, Qufu and Laoye, a learned scholar from Shanghai active in the literary circles of the Jiangnan area. Qu commissioned a number of tea wares and objects for the scholar’s desk which he often carved and inscribed himself. Another closely related brushpot in the Bei Shan Tang collection, attributed to Qu Yingshao and similarly incised with an inscription and signed Ziye, was included in the exhibition The Bei Shan Tang Legacy. Yixing Zisha Stoneware, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2015, cat. no. 122.