清康熙 素胎雕雙喬並讀圖筆筒 《壺隱道人》款

potted with a cylindrical body resting on a splayed tripod base, the exterior carved in relief with the two Qiao daughters elegantly dressed in loose robes and reading a book together, one of them seated on a stool holding the book next to the other reclining on a low couch with a fan in her hand, the couch supporting an archaistic gu beaker with a large leaves and peony blossoms issuing from within alongside two volumes of books, the countersunk base with a recessed square cartouche inscribed with a four-character seal mark reading huyin daoren ('the Daoist hidden in a pot')

Gerard Tsang 及 Hugh Moss，《文玩萃珍》，香港大學馮平山博物館，香港，1986年，編號42

The overall condition is excellent, with the exception of a few occasional iron spots, pinholes and kiln speckles, including a patch to the leaves. There are also some typical wear to the interior as well as a light scratch to one foot. The actual colour is brighter and more tinged with pale yellow than the illustration.
"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."

A bamboo brushpot of this exact design, also from the Robert H. Blumenfield collection, is offered in this series of sales as lot 3027. Carved with the 'Qiao sisters', it is reminiscent of a famous brushpot by Wu Zhifan in the Shanghai Museum, 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. 11. Compare also an example from the collection of Mary and George Bloch, sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 4.

The motif is taken from the 14th century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, which tells the story of the two Qiao daughters. Considered great beauties, they were one of the causes of the Battle of the Red Cliff. The depiction of the sisters reading a book was a popular motif and appears in a variety of media.