A FINELY CARVED 'TEA GATHERING' BAMBOO BRUSHPOT

The carving style of this brushpot is closely related to the work of the master craftsman, Wu Zhifan, who was active during the Kangxi period. Wu was well-known for his figure carvings in low relief on an almost plain background. For a short discussion on this method, see Chinese Bamboo Carving, Part II, Hong Kong, 1982, pp. 128-129.