清 竹雕題詩「劉海戲蟾」圖筆筒 《吳之璠》《光緒己丑冬 大澂記》款 「以樸為秀歷劫不靡」字 「愙齋」印

句出唐許渾《游錢塘青山李隱居西齋》，本品上題詩則應為：
「小隱西亭為客開，翠松深處是蒼苔，
林閒掃石安棊局，蘆花風起夜潮來。」

There are a few vertical age cracks near the rims around the body that have been secured, but overall the brushpot is in quite good condition. The hardwood fittings are later additions of the late 19th centuy.
"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."

Wu Zhifan was active in the Kangxi period and is recorded as the first to carve figures and other forms in low relief on an almost plain background. Wu is said to have acquired the traditional Jiading style and excelled in high-relief carving. It was however, his distinctive style of depicting figures in shallow relief against minimal background and his depiction of pine trees which made him renowned among the bamboo carving artists of the period.

For more information on Wu, see a bamboo brushpot from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection currently being offered in these rooms, Scholarly Art III, lot 188.