A BAMBOO CARVING OF SHOULAO

Details

A BAMBOO CARVING OF SHOULAO
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

The immortal finely carved reclining against a pierced rocky outcrop, supporting himself on his right arm, playfully holding a large ripe peach in his outstretched hand, his left hand resting on his raised knee, the figure with a characteristic large forehead and smiling expression beneath a long beard, his loose robes falling in fan-shaped folds at his feet
3 3/4 in. (9.6 cm.) wide

Provenance

Acquired in London in the 1960's

Lot Essay

The shape of this carving would indicate that it probably had a practical use as a brushrest. Compare a taller brushrest carved as Shoulao and three other deities included in the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong exhibition Ming and Qing Bamboo, 2000, Catalogue, pl. 68, where the material and style of carving is closely comparable to the present lot.

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