Lot 3364. A small carved Duan inkstone and bamboo box set, Qing dynasty, late 17th-18th century; 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) across the box. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 200,000. Price Realized HKD 812,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013 

The duan inkstone of flattened form with irregular sides. The upper surface is carved on one side with a bat in flight emerging out of clouds carved around the sides and base, also inscribed on one side with a four-character inscription, Ranhan yunmo. The inkstone is accommodated in a bamboo box. The cover is in ruyi-head form with a lingzhi sprig on the upper surface. The interiors covered in blackish-brown lacquer.

Provenance: Sold at Christie's New York, 16 September 1999, lot 55 (part).

Note: Sansong was the alias for the carver Zhu Zhizheng, a native of Jiading, Jiangsu province, and the second son of the Ming dynasty bamboo carver, Zhu Ying. He was active from 1621-1644 and was known to carve for his own pleasure. Another example by the artist, of almost identical size to the present lot, also carved in openwork with a similar theme and with an inscription dating to 1618 was sold at Christie's New York, 16 September 1999, lot 34.