清十八世紀 黃楊木雕庭園高仕圖長方鎮紙 《宗玉》款

finely and intricately carved in rectangular form, with a landscape scene depicting scholars and their attendants engaged in various leisurely pursuits, some strolling, some resting in a pavilion, others enjoying a game of chess while an attendant brings refreshment, all in a wide wooded valley filled with rockwork and lush pine, paulownia, and bamboo beside a flowing stream, signed Zongyu, the wood of a warm golden brown colour

The overall condition is very good, except for some typical surface scratches and a few occasional nicks to the extremities, including the head of the second from left figure and one pillar of the pavilion. The catalogue illustration is a tinge more red than the actual object.
"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."

Zongyu was the alias of Gu Jue, a native of Jiading, Jiangsu province, who was active during the Qianlong to Jiaqing periods. It was noted that his carving was so fine and detailed that even the hairs was clearly shown. A nineteenth century writer and collector wrote that Zongyu "was like the poets of the Qi and Liang Kingdoms, who could convey the glamour and enchantment in their works".

See a brushpot by Gu Jue in the Seattle Art Museum, Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection, illustrated in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, part I, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 1978, pp. 232-233. There is a brushpot signed Zongyu in this sale, lot 3758.