A CARVED BAMBOO 'MEIREN' BRUSHPOT QING DYNASTY, 17TH / EARLY 18TH CENTURY |

of cylindrical form supported on three low rectangular feet, carved in high relief with a sprawling scholar's garden enclosing two studios, one studio with a woman at a writing desk with brush in hand, an attendant standing nearby with a fan, a second attendant approaching with a cup of tea, the studio's lattice walls, drawn curtains, and rounded roof described in low relief, the lotus pond outside with massive blooms and leaves and surrounded by balustraded paths, the second studio in the distance, rockwork and leafy trees rising all around, the bamboo of reddish-brown color with lustrous patina

Sotheby's New York, 28th February 1980, lot 43.
Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York, 23rd November 1982.
Collection of Florence (1920-2018) and Herbert (1917-2016) Irving, no. 845.

The brushpot with characteristic splitting, longest from the pase, approx 5.5 cm and there is a chip to the side of one of the smaller lotus flowers. The surface with wear overall, minor nicks to extremities consistent with age and use. Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States.
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.

See a brushpot carved with a very similar scene, formerly in the collection of Dr. Ip Yee and included in the exhibition Chinese Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1978, cat. no. 48, where it is noted that buildings of this type with rounded roofs often appear in 17th century woodblock prints. For other bamboo brushpots depicting ladies engaged in scholarly activities, see one sold in these rooms, 26th February 1981, lot 311; and another sold at Christie's London, 6th June 2000, lot 154.