清十七至十八世紀 竹雕仕女圖筆筒 《周灝》仿款「芷岩」印

the cylindrical brushpot resting on three short feet, the exterior skilfully carved in varying levels of relief with a continuous scene depicting a lady seated on a drum-shaped stool and reading a book between a large table neatly displayed with various vessels, including a tripod incense burner and a vase with large lotus blooms and pads, and a low table with volumes of books, the latter subtly concealed by large overhanging pine and wutong trees, the scene depicted with a further lady seated on a mat by a river bank across a balustrade, all below cloud wisps, the brushpot incised with a two-character inscription reading Zhou Hao followed by a seal mark reading Zhiyan, as well as a four-character seal mark, the bamboo of a warm reddish-brown colour

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are expected age cracks, mostly vertical cracks rising from the foot. There are minor bruises and other general surface wear and scratches.
"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."

The motif on this brushpot of two meiren, one depicted reading a book in an elegant garden, may have been 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.

For brushpots carved with similar motifs, see one in the British Museum, London, illustrated in Jessica Harrison-Hall, ‘Carved With East’, Apollo, November 2012, p. 52, pl. 4; another from the Simon Kwan collection, included in the exhibition Ming and Qing Bamboo, Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2000, cat. no. 35; a third from the collection of B.S. McElney, illustrated in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, Hong Kong, 1978, vol. 1, pl. 35.