The lower section painted in vivid blue with a continuous scene of the seven sages of the bamboo grove reciting poetry to each other amidst plantain leaves and bamboo, all beneath a leafy scroll dividing the upper section painted with a further languid scholar resting against rockwork as his attendant brings books, all beneath a further scroll of floral sprays. 

Provenance: a distinguished Belgian private collection 

Note: The 'Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove' were a group of poets, writers and musicians who during the Jin dynasty (AD265-420) retreated from the dangers of court intrigue to a bamboo grove in Shanyang, Henan province. Away from venal court politics, they could indulge in free artistic self-expression and alcohol in particular. Their humorous stories were all recorded in the 'New Account of the Tales of the World' (Shishuo xinyu 世說新語) and appealed to scholars wishing to retreat from the dangers of politics, in particular during the collapse of the Ming dynasty.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, 10:30 BST - LONDON, NEW BOND STREET