XU XINZHOU (1853-1925), NARRATIVE SOAPSTONE BITONG BRUSHPOT
XU XINZHOU (1853-1925), NARRATIVE SOAPSTONE BITONG BRUSHPOT
Soapstone
China, late Qing dynasty (1644-1912)
This finely carved soapstone Bitong brush pot shows the artist signature of Xu Yinzhou – artist name Xingzhou (1853-1925) who was a student of the famous painter Wu Changshuo. He lived in the Wu county of the Jiangsu province. The inscription on the brush pot reads ‘Xu Xinzhou from the Wu School, on a spring day in March in the year …’
The exterior of the vessel is masterly carved with a traveling group of men, many riding on Bactrian camels. They are surrounded by a magnificent landscape with pine trees, mountains, footbridges, pavilions and judging from their facial expressions all appear to be extremely excited about their adventurous journey.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 12 CM, DIAMETER 12 CM
Condition: Very good condition with minor traces of age and use, very tiny nicks along the natural veins in the material
Provenance: Austrian private collection