Lot 1129. A rootwood tripod vessel, 18th-19th century; 4 ½ in. (11.4 cm.) high. Estimate USD 3,000 - USD 5,000. Price realised USD 2,250. © Christie's Image Ltd 2016

The vessel is carved from a piece of natural burl root that rests on three natural feet, and has two natural 'lug' handles..

Provenance: Ralph M. Chait, New York.

Note: The present vessel is highly unusual in that the natural form of the burl closely resembles a tripod censer with handles. Such a work seemingly exemplifies the scholar's ideal of form, echoing nature and vice versa. A significantly more worked example of a 'natural-form' tripod vessel and cover in bamboo is illustrated in Bamboo & Wood Carvings of China and the East, Spink and Son Ltd., London, 1979, p. 55, no. 204.

Christie's. The Ian and Susan Wilson Collection of Scholar's Objects, New York, 17 march 2016