the large noded root in horizontal orientation, deftly carved in high relief and openwork with overhanging pine trees forming the canopy of the raft, the gnarled boughs with scaly bark and extending to slenderer twigs issuing clusters of needle-shaped leaves, carved on one side with two crouching boys on the front and rear ends steering the boat with their paddles, the three star gods appreciating a scroll with a yinyang symbol, two rams and the Hehe twins, the reverse similarly depicting two further boys paddling the raft, a pair of cranes beside Dongfang Shuo carrying a peach, and three other female immortals, the bamboo attractively patinated to a golden reddish-brown tone accented with rows of burls on the underside

Collection of Dr Ip Yee.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 19th November 1984, lot 517.

The raft is in overall good condition with just typical age cracks, minor bruises and other general surface wear.
"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."

See a similar bamboo-root raft, carved in the round with the Eight Immortals, but attributed to the 18th century, in the Lutz Bamboo collection and published by Wang Shixiang and Wan-go Weng, Bamboo Carving of China, New York, 1983, pl. 77, sold in our New York rooms, 18th March 2008, lot 52.