A 'ZITAN' BRUSHPOT 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

of circular section, the thick-walled vessel with plain straight sides enclosed between a raised band just below the gently concave mouthrim and a narrower, tapered filet with beaded lower edge just above the countersunk base, all raised on a short tapered foot, the densely grained wood of a dark reddish-brown tone, with distinctive reddish-gold flecking, and a lustrous patina

The brushpot is in overall good condition. The base has one horizontal and one C-shaped split. There is general wear to the surface and minor nicks to the rims all consistent with age and use.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The thick walls, carved from a single block of wood, and the plain surface are admirable features consistent with late Ming and early Qing dynasty hardwood brushpots. The lack of carved decoration draws attention to the inherent qualities of the rich, finely grained wood. The articulation of the rims, the rounded filet of the in-stepped base highlights the elegant line of the form as light hits the lustrous surface. A zitan brushpot of smaller proportion, but similar form, was excavated from the Wanli Period tomb of Zhu Shoucheng near Shanghai and is illustrated in The Chinese Scholar's Studio, Artistic Life in the Late Ming Dynasty, An Exhibition from the Shanghai Museum, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1987, cat. no. 69N.