清乾隆 竹根雕夔龍饕餮紋出戟尊

carved from a bamboo root, of flattened zun form with a flaring mouth above a compressed body and a tall splayed foot, the midsection divided into two registers and decorated on a ground of geometric angular scrolls, carved in low relief with confronted archaistic dragons in the upper register and a band of taotie masks below, set with vertical flanges in imitation of archaic bronze forms, the bamboo of a rich chestnut colour

In overall good condition except for some expected nicks and typical stabilised aged cracks.
"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."

Another bamboo-root vessel of zun form from the Robert H. Blumenfield collection was sold in these rooms, 7th April 2015, lot 3030. Compare also the bamboo zun vessel in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Zhu mu ya jiao qi [Complete collection of Chinese art. Bamboo, wood, ivory and rhino], vol. 11, Beijing, 1987, pl. 43.