Lot 3705. An aubergine-glazed 'Tree trunk' brushrest, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 19.7 cm., 7 3/4  in. Estimate 150,000 — 200,000  HKD. Lot sold 275,000 HKD (32,686 EUR). © Sotheby's

naturalistically modelled simulating a gnarled trunk stemming from a cluster of vigorously twisting roots, the trunk splitting into two thinner branches with one extending upwards and splitting into two further branches, the uneven surface accentuated with irregular apertures and  applied with a warm aubergine glaze thinning at the extremities, a meticulously rendered turquoise-glazed lizard with a prominently pronounced spine depicted emerging from an aperture near a small insect clambering on a thin root, reticulated wood stand.

Provenance: Collection of T.T. Tsui (by repute)

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Works of Art, Hong Kong, 07 april 2015