Lot 829. A blue and white 'hunting’ brushpot, Transitional period  (1621-1644). Estimate 300,000 — 400,000 HKD. Lot sold 625,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's.

the cylindrical brushpot decorated in cobalt blue with a dynamic hunting scene depicting various mounted huntsmen and fleeting animals in a rural landscape, one figure portrayed having fallen off, all between a pair of incised scroll borders encircling the rim and foot; 20.1 cm, 7 7/8 in. 

Exhibited: Heavenly Steeds: Horses in Chinese Art, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008.

Notes: Painted in vivid cobalt, this brushpot is striking for its dynamic motif of a hunting scene, the composition of which has been inspired by the horizontal handscrolls of Chinese painting. A group of huntsmen is depicted mounted on galloping horses, one swinging a flail, a handle to which a ball on a chain is attached, while his companion brandishes a tall spear towards two fleeing deer. Another huntsman is depicted mocking his companion who has fallen from his horse, scattering his bow and arrows to the ground. Depictions of scenes from popular literature, inspired by contemporary wood-block prints and paintings, grew in popularity during the late Ming and early Qing dynasty when they were depicted on a variety of objects.

Brushpots painted with hunting scenes are rare, although one was sold in these rooms, 20th May 1987, lot 462. See also a double-gourd vase painted on the lower bulb with a similar scene, from the collection of the Duke of Northumberland, sold twice in our London rooms 18th October 1966, lot 12, and 20th April 1971, lot 12; and a sleeve vase, from the collection of Julia and John Curtis, sold at Christie’s New York, 16th March 2015, lot 3532.

Sotheby's. Chinese Art, Hong Kong | 02 Jun 2016