清十七 / 十八世紀 壽山石雕秀石芭蕉圖花式印盒 《尚均》款

superbly carved with straight sides divided into eight bracket foliations, the top of the cover carved in low relief with large naturalistic plantain leaves and pierced jagged rockwork, all against a 'basket-weave' diaper ground, the interior of the cover bordered with a raised ruyi band, the sides with a stylised border enclosing 'basket-weave' panels, the sides of the box similarly adorned, one side delicately incised in kaishu with an inscription reading Shangjun, skilfully contained within the basketweave work, the base decorated with a small worm against a 'basket-weave' ground, the stone of an ivory colour with coral-red and dark brown inclusions

The box and cover are in overall good condition with general wear. There are small areas of bruises and nicks to the edges of the box and cover, particular to the rims, as well as small areas of pitting to the stone. The catalogue illustration is redder than the actual colour of the soapstone.
"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."

周彬，字尚均，原籍福建漳州，方宗珪曾於《壽山石誌》（福州，1982年，頁77-78）中道，周彬「尚以中國畫寫意法，深刀刻山水、花卉、松竹等景物」，又指其「向為藝界所器重」。參比一件壽山石雕筆筒，周彬款，錦地雕飾，近似本品，然作水波紋地而非此器之蓆紋地，見曾柱昭（Gerard Tsang） 及 莫士撝（Hugh Moss），《文玩萃珍》，香港大學馮平山博物館，香港，1986年，編號84。