BAMBOO BRUSH OR SCROLL HOLDER.

Late 18th, 19th century, China. Nephrite: very pale yellow-green with light brown markings. Inscription: Title, “Autumn Fresh and Cool”, followed by reign date and cyclical Bingwu year of the Qianlong reign, and name of carver with a seal. Of remarkable size and realistic appearance, this imposing (42 lb., 19 kg.) three-part jade brushholder is large enough to hold scrolls as well as bigger brushes. The left-hand, tallest stalk is also the most upright; the central one appears gently squeezed between the two outer stalks and its color is fresher than the left-hand stalk; the third, with a stalk barely emerging from fresh growth roots, leans away from the group at a sharp angle. Freely carved and high-relief bamboo leaves decorate the well-polished work, and the nodes and circular marks on the culm are carefully detailed. The convincing depiction of this popular form is typical of the mid-late Qing taste for realism in botanical subject matter (Keveme, p. 151, fig. 57). The symbol of an upright gentleman, bamboo is an appropriate subject for articles associated with a scholar’s studio. Choice sections of the actual plant itself often are used as brushholders. Bamboo is also one of the most common decorative arts designs from the Sung period on. Considered among the more challenging subjects for painters, the appearance of bamboo in differing conditions and states of growth has been the subject of intense scrutiny by those determined to capture its form through brush and ink. Although small jade carvings of the subject are known (Spink, #129), works of this size in jade are unusual (Palm, p. 81, #76, a bamboo-form vase dated Ming-Qing, 27.9 cm. h.). The lack of emphasis on extended symbolic messages, such as longevity, which are found on many contemporary jade bamboo carvings (CNY 11/29/90, #3 18, double bamboo vase with peach, crane and lingzhi; Spink 81, #11, bamboo-form vase with phoenix and lingzhi) also distinguishes this carving, which otherwise reflects both later Qing taste and the possibilities afforded jade workshops by the increased size of jade material available after the mid-Qing. Reference: The Yangtze River Collection, Later Chinese Jades published by Helga Wall-Apelt, 1993. SIZE: 16″ x 14″ x 5″. (40.6 x 35.6 x 12.7 cm.) CONDITION: Natural fissures throughout. Very good. 47671-15 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 3088A

Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2016

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3088A	$0.00	BAMBOO BRUSH OR SCROLL HOLDER. Late 18th, 19th century, China. Nephrite: very pale yellow-green with light brown markings. Inscription: Title, “Autumn Fresh and Cool”, followed by reign date and cyclical Bingwu year of the Qianlong reign, and name of carver with a seal. Of remarkable size and realistic appearance, this imposing (42 lb., 19 kg.) three-part jade brushholder is large enough to hold scrolls as well as bigger brushes. The left-hand, tallest stalk is also the most upright; the central one appears gently squeezed between the two outer stalks and its color is fresher than the left-hand stalk; the third, with a stalk barely emerging from fresh growth roots, leans away from the group at a sharp angle. Freely carved and high-relief bamboo leaves decorate the well-polished work, and the nodes and circular marks on the culm are carefully detailed. The convincing depiction of this popular form is typical of the mid-late Qing taste for realism in botanical subject matter (Keveme, p. 151, fig. 57). The symbol of an upright gentleman, bamboo is an appropriate subject for articles associated with a scholar’s studio. Choice sections of the actual plant itself often are used as brushholders. Bamboo is also one of the most common decorative arts designs from the Sung period on. Considered among the more challenging subjects for painters, the appearance of bamboo in differing conditions and states of growth has been the subject of intense scrutiny by those determined to capture its form through brush and ink. Although small jade carvings of the subject are known (Spink, #129), works of this size in jade are unusual (Palm, p. 81, #76, a bamboo-form vase dated Ming-Qing, 27.9 cm. h.). The lack of emphasis on extended symbolic messages, such as longevity, which are found on many contemporary jade bamboo carvings (CNY 11/29/90, #3 18, double bamboo vase with peach, crane and lingzhi; Spink 81, #11, bamboo-form vase with phoenix and lingzhi) also distinguishes this carving, which otherwise reflects both later Qing taste and the possibilities afforded jade workshops by the increased size of jade material available after the mid-Qing. Reference: The Yangtze River Collection, Later Chinese Jades published by Helga Wall-Apelt, 1993. SIZE: 16″ x 14″ x 5″. (40.6 x 35.6 x 12.7 cm.) CONDITION: Natural fissures throughout. Very good. 47671-15 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 3088A Auction: Fine Art, Asian & Antiques - Winter 2016 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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BAMBOO BRUSH OR SCROLL HOLDER.