A carved zitan brush pot, bitong. Ming Dynasty

The cylindrical body carved from a single wood section with a continuous scene of an idealised landscape with mountains, temples, waterways, and people engaged in various activities, punctuated throughout with ancient trees, between raised bands round the mouth and foot, supported on three tab feet, the base made from a separate piece of wood, the material dark brown with some reddish-brown streaks. 15.3cm (6in) high. Estimate: HK$320,000 - 350,000, $41,000 - 45,000 - Unsold.

Footnote: 明 紫檀仙景玉宇筆筒

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 4 Dec 2008. Hong Kong.  Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved. www.bonhams.com