Lot 3622. A nanmu burlwood incense stand, Qing dynasty, 19th century; 38.5 by 71.5 by 36.6 cm., 15 by 27 7/8 by 14 1/4 in. Estimate 350,000 — 450,000 HKD. Lot sold 1,060,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's

formed from a large tree root section opening and twisting horizontally to stand on three points, with organic crags, knots, burled stumps and auxiliary roots, all extending from the flat-cut irregular top, the bark smoothly patinated to a warm reddish-brown colour.

Sotheby's. Contemporary Literati — A Gathering, Hong Kong, 07 april 2014