A RETICULATED BAMBOO 'SEVEN SAGES' BRUSH POT, BITONG, MID-QINGChina, 18th-19th century. Featuring a continuous openwork scene of 'The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove'. Two sages playing weiqi and four examining a scroll while the seventh looks on from behind, all against a backdrop of finely reticulated towering bamboo stalks, the depiction framed by two large pine trees and craggy rockwork.Provenance: French private collection, old collector's label reading 'do not leave in the sun or expose to heat [translated from French]'.Condition: Good condition with natural age cracks, few minuscule nicks and losses, a larger loss to the underside. The natural patina nicely grown into a warm, golden-brown color.Weight: 349.7 gDimensions: Height 14.8 cmThe Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove' were mid-3rd century literati who retreated to the countryside as a reaction against the corrupt politics of the Wei dynasty rulers. They reflect the virtues of art and intellectual pursuits.Auction result comparison: Compare with a related bitong at Christie's New York in Fine Chinese Archaic Bronzes, Ceramics and Works of Art on 20 September 2002, lot 155, sold for USD 11,950.清代中期竹雕竹林七賢筆筒 中國,十八至十九世紀。竹雕精美,以“竹林七賢”爲主題,兩人下圍棋,四位欣賞書畫,而第七個則從後面看,四周高聳竹林,以及松樹和岩石。 來源:法國私人收,舊藏家標簽“不要放在陽光下或暴露在高溫下” [從法語翻譯過來]'. 品相:狀況良好,具有自然的年齡裂縫,幾乎沒有微小的划痕和損失,下部有比較大的缺損。自然的溫暖的金棕色包漿。 重量:349.7 克 尺寸:高14.8 厘米拍賣結果比較:一個相似的筆筒,於2002年9月20日在紐約佳士得Fine Chinese Archaic Bronzes, Ceramics and Works of Art 拍場,拍號155,成交價USD 11,950。