A RETICULATED BAMBOO ‘LITERATI’ BRUSHPOT, BITONG, LATE MING DYNASTY

A RETICULATED BAMBOO ‘LITERATI’ BRUSHPOT, BITONG, LATE MING DYNASTY China, 17th century. Of gently waisted cylindrical form supported on three short brackets, finely carved through the first layer and incised in partial openwork, cleverly combining high and low reliefs, to depict a scholar seated under a pine tree, moving his hands leisurely as he enjoys the scenery, an attendant carrying a rectangular box approaches the scholar, as his companion with a manuscript in his hands, makes his way through, all set in a mountainous landscape with large craggy rocks. Provenance: Hungarian private collection. Condition: Good condition with minor wear and natural imperfections. Expected age cracks, shallow surface scratches, miniscule nicks, and weathering. Weight: 329.5 cm Dimensions: Height 15 cm Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 4 October 2021, lot 93 Price: HKD 95,625 or approx. EUR 12,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A carved and pierced bamboo 'scholars' brushpot, 17th/18th century Expert remark: Compare the closely related modelling and similar carvings in partial openwork, rocky landscape, and size (15.2 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 16 May 2013, lot 358 Price: GBP 11,875 or approx. EUR 22,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A bamboo 'sage and pine tree' brushpot, bitong Expert remark: Compare the related modelling and similar carvings in partial openwork, rocky landscape, and size (15.2 cm).