Lot 135. A rare carnelian agate 'mountain and bat' brushrest, Qianlong period (1736-1795). Sold for £20,000 (€25,971). Photo: Bonhams.

The brushrest intricately carved as a three-peaked mountain surrounded by breaking waves and swirling clouds interspersed with flying bats, original boxwood and zitan stand. 8cm (3 1/8in) wide (2).

Provenance: a distinguished English private collection, and thence by descent 

Note: The skill and artistry of Qing dynasty craftsmen is encapsulated in the finely carved boxwood and zitan stand, formed as breaking waves, which can be compared with other wood stands in the Palace Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Small Refined Articles of the Study, Shenzhen, 2009, p.129, pl.100. 

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET