Details
A BAMBOO WRIST REST
SIGNED XU BINGFANG

The light bamboo skin cleverly carved away to depict a cicada and praying mantis on a branch partially covered by insect-eaten leaves, below the inscription Huang que cai na (where is the yellow bird) carved to the upper corner, refering to the Chinese proverb 'Beware the praying mantis is in front, but behind it is the yellow bird', an allegory on the predatory cycle--10 1/8in. (25.5cm.) long, stand

Lot Essay

For other examples of the artist's work, and comparable wrist rests, see the China House Gallery, China Institute in America, Special exhibition of Bamboo Carving of China, 1983, Catalogue, where works from the artist's collection and from that of Dr. Ip Yee are illustrated pls. 82-85

A wrist rest by the same artist was sold in these Rooms 31 March, 1992, lot 941

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