AN INSCRIBED BAMBOO BRUSHPOT BY DENG WEI, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of cylindrical form, one side deftly worked in relief with a scene depicting the gathering at the Orchid Pavilion, with three scholars and their respective attendants standing by the shore beside a riverside landscape, overlooking eight further scholars gathered at a pavilion sheltered amongst overhanging pine and willow trees, in a distance six scholars appreciating music in a bamboo grove and another three engaged in a conversation, all framed by overhanging rocky mountains, the reverse inscribed with the Lanting Xu ('Preface to the Collected Verses from the Orchid Pavilion') and signed Yunqiao

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are typical age cracks extending from the foot. Several age cracks have been stabilised, including a Y-shaped one extending along the side of the reverse to the base and two on the illustrated side, one of the latter below tiny touch ups to the pine trees and figures.
"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."