Lot 131. A large huanghuali 'mallow' brushpot, 17th century; d. 25.5 cm, h. 21.6 cm. Lot sold: 1,260,000 HKD (Estimate: 200,000 - 300,000  HKD). © Sotheby's 2022

carved in the form of a blossoming mallow flower with eight partially overlapping petals, the exterior further decorated in relief with prunus, begonia, magnolia and orchid, set in a continuous garden scene with craggy rockwork, the wood of an attractive chestnut-brown tone.

Provenance: Eastern Pacific Co. (Hei Hung-Lu), Hong Kong, 12th May 1981.

Literature: Selected Treasures of Chinese Art: Min Chiu Society Thirtieth Anniversary Exhibition, Hong Kong, 1990, cat. no. 253.

Exhibited: Selected Treasures of Chinese Art: Min Chiu Society Thirtieth Anniversary Exhibition, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1990-91.

Sotheby's. HOTUNG  The Personal Collection of the late Sir Joseph Hotung: Part 1, Hong Kong, 9 October 2022