Lot 47
  • 47

A CARVED AND PIERCED BAMBOO 'MEIREN' BRUSHPOT LATE MING DYNASTY |

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
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Description

  • Height 6 in., 15.1 cm
of cylindrical form set over three low rectangular feet, well carved with a lush garden enclosing two scholar's studios, one studio occupied by a lady seated at a writing desk with brush in hand, an attendant waiting nearby and a second approaching carrying a bowl, the architecture of the studio minutely described including the paneled walls and the drawn curtains, a balustraded path nearby leading to a pond surrounded by trees and rockwork, the second studio at the other side of the pond backed with a 'moon window' carved in openwork to reveal a tree growing behind, the entire composition carved in high relief heightening the sense of depth, the fine details depicted in low relief, the bamboo patinated to a warm russet-brown 

Provenance

Sotheby's New York, 16th March 1984, lot 154.
Christie's New York, 29th November 1990, lot 81.
Collection of Florence (1920-2018) and Herbert (1917-2016) Irving, no. 2974.

Condition

The brushpot with characteristic splitting to the rims, primarily from the base the longest being approx. 4 cm long. The rim with an approx. 5 cm patch repair and and small section reattached (approx 2 cm). There is a small section of either rockwork of pine (approx 2x2 cm) missing with glue residue at the site. expected wear overall, including small nicks along edges consistent with age and 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.
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.

Catalogue Note

The craftsman has skillfully created a sense of depth and realism by carving elements almost completely in the round, capturing minute details in the surfaces, and effectively using perspective. In addition to contributing to the trompe l'oeil effect, the openwork 'moon window' may have been a clever solution to remove a natural flaw. It also serves a third function by inviting the viewer to look beyond the scene depicted and even towards the brushpot's contents. For a brushpot with a very similar subject, see one included in the exhibition Chinese Art Treasures: A Selected Group of Objects from The Chinese National Palace Museum and The Chinese National Central Museum, Taichung, Taiwan, first exhibited at the National Gallery, Washington, D.C., 1961, cat. no. 225.