constructed from small bamboo slivers to form a pattern of interconnected squares, overlaid with pieces of bamboo carved to form the design of a scholar with a qin relaxing beneath a tree, with an attendant and garden rock close by, a rectangular plaque incised with a seal reading Xu yin, all enclosed within a hardwood frame and backed by a plate of glass with a trestle stand (2)

Property from a Los Angeles Estate, circa 1984.

There is damage to the lattice in the top right corner of the screen, and a missing sliver in the lower left corner, and a missing sliver below the seal. There are small chips to the applied carved decoration, which appears to have been assembled from different sources. There are some chips and shrinkage to the joins of the frame, and some minor wear and craks to the stand. there are traces of glue residue to the back of the lattice wear it is affixed to a plate of glass.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A screen with a similar lattice design, described as a window screen, and dated to the Qianlong / Jiaqing periods is illustrated in Simon Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 397. The carving on the applied decoration resembles the carving on 18th century bamboo brushpots, and a bamboo carver named Xu Yuji is listed in Yu Jianhua (ed.), Zhongguo meishujia ren ming cidian (Dictionary of Chinese Artist Names), Shanghai, 1985, p. 720. He is believed to have been active during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods. It is possible that the present lot was once part of a larger piece modified into its current format with elements dating to the 18th century and earlier.