A small 'lotus pond' box and cover, Qing dynasty, Daoguang-Xianfeng period, by Xu Xinshun. Estimate 60,000 — 80,000 HKD. Lot sold.75,000 HKD. Photo Sotheby's.

naturalistically modelled in the form of a lotus leaf, opening to reveal a small ecology of insect and aquatic plants evoking a lotus pond, signed Xu Xinshun zhi on a raised panel set on the interior of the cover; 10 cm., 3 7/8  in.

Note: This finely potted and decorated box is by the hand of 19th century potter Xu Xinshu (1810-1860), member of a group of master potters who crafted carved porcelain and signed their names on their work. Others in this group are Chen Guozhi, Wang Bingrong and Li Yucheng, all artists at Jingdezhen during the early 19th century. Other work by Xu Xinshun include a biscuit porcelain brushpot sold in our rooms, 4th April 2012, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection, and a green-glazed brushpot sold at Bonhams London, 7th November 2013 lot 23.

Sotheby's. CHINESE ART. 01 JUNE 2015 - 02 JUNE 2015 | 3:15 PM HKT - HONG KONG