of cylindrical-segment form, the convex side delicately carved in the liuqing technique with a tranquil landscape scene depicting a river stream with a rocky promontory at the front and mountainous cliffs in the background, the foreground further depicted with two conversing figures beneath a tall pine tree, the river with three figures on a boat, the upper left section of the wristrest carved in running script with a fourteen-character excerpt from Xue Feng's poem, denoting a preference of a reclusive life over one of high stature and accomplishments, followed by the characters Xihuang of Zhang Xihuang and two seal marks reading Zhang Zhonglue yin ('impressed by Zhang Zhonglue') and Xihuang respectively, the surface lustrously patinated

Good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present wristrest is executed in the liuqing technique, a method of carving that manipulates the contrasting colours of the smooth greenish bamboo skin and the darker fibrous inner layers. On this wristrest the outer skin of the bamboo branch has been reserved for the landscape scene. The elegant contrast between light and dark tones is further enhanced through a dyeing process in which the green skin of the material turns into a golden light brown colour while the inner layer of the worked bamboo develops into a rich darker brown.

Zhang Zonglue, hao Xihuang, was one of China’s most outstanding master carvers and especially renowned for his use of the liuqing technique. A native of Jiangyin in southern Jiangsu province, Zhang was active in the l🐭ate Ming 💎and early Qing periods.

For two related examples in the Shanghai Museum, see Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2001, cat. nos 143 and 145. For exam🌞ples sold at auction, see a wristrest from the Norton Collection, illustrating a river landscape, sold in our London rooms, 26th March 1963, lot 17, and again, 24th February 1970, lot 63.