Small carvings from bamboo, jade or amber as in the case of the present lot, were popular as decorative display objects for the scholar's table. The subject matter in the sculpted figure of Li Bo, in this instance further enhances the literati theme since the famous Tang dynasty poet is well-known not only for his legendary poetic compositions but also for his love of drinking, as shown by his closed eyes and reclining body posture as if in a drunken stupor.

(US$6,000-8,000)