Antique Chinese Scholars Root Libation Cup Pot 18th-19th C. Zitan Carved Rarity

Description: Antique Scholars Root Pot...Libation Cup... Age Range: 18th C-19th C ( possibly older) Overall Size : 5.5” H x 6.5” W x 4.4” front to back Materials: Naturally formed, earth grown Zitan root with hand carved areas, petrified wood, agate or other similar material, perhaps organic, sliced material between pot / cup and base ( may be etched) Base itself is solid hardwood (not sure of species) measuring 4.25” diameter bottom and 3” diameter at top and is 2” H (approximates) Condition: Very good, solidly made... Wonderful natural aging and wear. Bought on impulse a couple years ago as an old vase made from wood from Florida...upon seeing in hand, knew it was more that an old vase and started researching as best I could as an amateur sleuth at best. Had two knowledgeable sources look at detailed images recently, and have included their opinions as part of the description. No other person has had the opportunity to examine this piece in hand since it came into my possession...therefore, still a lot to find out about its exact age, use, symbolism with a close physical examination...is it a Scholars piece as the form is so beautifully and unusually seen form, a piece one might expect to see upon a Scholars desk. Real mystery overall for some collector to explore. I thought it was a Scholars root scroll or brush pot but advised possibly a ceremonial Libation cup or a homage cup to a Scholar... The root appears to be a natural growth Zitan wood root and has elaborate carvings, hand crafted on the root surface, dimensional as shown. Due to aging under unknown conditions there are but a few areas that show a beautiful reddish polished wood within its makeup. Most of the root has a thin darkened crust like covering (bark?) from aging / exposure that I have left alone, which appears of natural elements, exposure and wear. When found, this piece was covered in a combo of dust and light dirt and was exceptionally dry throughout. After careful dry cleaning with brushes, to prevent cracking, I applied a light coating of organic beeswax which brought to life the detail of carving as well as the richness of the wood. The center of the cup was the driest, with expected cracking which is limited completely to the interior cupped area, and as shown, has beautifully aged. This was done about a year ago and not done since. The identification of the carvings and their symbolism are unknown to me as not versed in such, but several areas seem to be birds with eyes in place (guessing) others possibly shells. There are some small black stones that appear to be placed to represent eyes (total guessing, but can see them well under a loupe and definitely placed onto the wood per my perspective, but, no real knowledge on it...also places...surface wholes where similarly sized stone may have been), further, I believe there may be more to the carvings but the darkness of the outer cup may be hiding them if there. On one side there appears to be a small piece of cloth stuck in the side ( and in another area, a spot of some hard material like plaster is present)…both very small as shown and not any kind of damage from what I can see. Materials may be able to be identified and-dated, not sure. The organic root form cup has a hard, rigid agate like flat material sliced for a bottom which has been adhered to the base with some kind of very old glue substance. The rounded slice is about 1/8” thick, has ridges to its outer area as shown, and may have inscriptions on it when looking down into the opening of the pot area hole but not sure as hard to discern. See images closely. This seal is an "Export approval mark" and it is called a "Jianding". They have been issued from around 1949 and are still being put on any antique-appearing items which are to be allowed to be exported out of China. It does not guarantee anything except that it was allowed for export. This particular mark was issued by the Shanghai Cultural Relics Bureau. This appears to be an 18th/19th century, late Qing Dynasty, Zitan wood libation cup. These are meant to emulate earlier rhino horn libation cups. This piece is interesting due to it's organic nature. These cups are typically intricately and daintily carved. I believe this one may be an homage to a Chinese scholar with it's burled root design. These were used for either communal drinking or for ceremonial purposes (not necessarily meant to be used for actual liquid but more for show during a ritual or ceremonial context). Some of these have finished interiors but only the part that can be seen; the below basin is not typically carved or finished. I think in this case, the interior of the vessel is just a condition that is consistent with the items age. Wood dries out over time and cracks but I don't think it would deter most collectors from this piece; it's actually kind of lovely because it shows immediately that this piece has some age to it and is not a contemporary copy. Feel free to ask questions or for other images, but for the most part I cannot answer specifics as not versed much at all in Asian antiquities. And, should you have insight into this piece, please share as much appreciated. Selling as shown and described. And as is, so, please see all images closely. Will be shipped Priority Mail or Fed Ex, shipped by location and paid by buyer.

Price: 449.99 USD

Location: Lakewood, Ohio

End Time: 2024-11-05T21:41:18.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD