A BAMBOO 'PINE' BRUSHPOT SIGNED ZHONGQIAN, 17TH CENTURY |

carved in the form of a section of a pine tree, naturalistically depicted with burls, whorls and scalps on the bark, the exterior carved in high relief and openwork with gnarled knotted branches issuing clusters of pine needles, patinated to a chestnut-brown tone, the reverse lightly incised with a four-character signature reading Zhongqian jing lou (Respectfully carved by Zhongqian)

An old Hong Kong private collection.

Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Part II, Hong Kong, 1982 pp 190-191.

The brushpot is in very good condition, with only minor insect holes to the base and general surface wear typical of its type.
"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."

The vibrant high relief carving and naturalistic rendering of the pine branches wrapped around the trunk follows the Ming tradition of bamboo carving developed by the three Zhus, the most renowned family of bamboo carvers active from the 16th century. The current brushpot is signed Zhongqian, the sobriquet of the bamboo carver Pu Cheng, who was active in the early 17th century.  Compare a bamboo brushpot carved with cranes by Zhu He, in the Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, illustrated in Hai Bo, Zhu mu ya jiao qi zhenshang [Appreciation of bamboo, wood, ivory and horn], Tainan, 1995, pl. 30.