Bitong, Brush Pot

9/29/2008: "A Chinese bamboo bitong (brushpot) with an intricate overall carving, in high and low relief and openwork, with the motif called ‘The Orchid Pavilion.” Dating is Early Republic/PRC, 9 1/2” high x 7 1/2” wide, signed Xu Sibai (Hsu Su-pai) a native of Wuchin, Kiangsu. He settled in Shanghai and was active in the twentieth century. The superb carving shows Xu Sibai as a highly accomplished craftsman (reference: Ip Yee & Tam, Laurence, Chinese Bamboo Carving. Two volumes, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1978 and 1982. ISBN. 962 215 041 1). The motif termed “The Orchid Pavilion” (Lanting Xu) has scenes which are based upon popular novels and plays are often depicted on bamboo wares of late Ming and early Qing date, many taking inspiration from Ming dynasty paintings and woodblock prints. The motif shows numerous scholars in literary pursuits in wooded mountainscapes with streams, architectural structures and groves." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 9/05/2008

Cameron, Nigel. The Chinese Scholar's Desk. Hong Kong: FormAsia Books, 2003.