Lot 3635. A tree root 'Mountain', Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century; 36 cm., 14 in. Estimate 150,000 — 300,000 HKD. Lot sold 187,500 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's

formed from a tree root section, naturalistically detailed with contorted knots, burls and auxiliary stumps resembling a cragged mountain, possibly used as a brushrest, the wood patinated to a dark brown colour with paler undertones, set on a stepped integral base of conforming undulating section with rounded sides supported on four short baluster feet.

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