A CARVED CINNARBAR LACQUER BRUSHPOT
Qianlong period (1736-95)
13.7 cm. high, 11.5 cm. diam.

The cylindrical brushpot flares slightly towards the mouth rim. It is carved in shallow to medum relief around the exterior with a continuous landscape scene depicting Zhuge Liang fishing by the lake beside a thatched hut, approached by three visitors – Liu Bei in his royal attire, Guan Yu dressed as a martial general holding a long broad sword, and Sima Hui in his official clothes. The trio is followed by a group of attendants, some holding banners, weapons and parasols, next to an elaborate chariot and a pitched tent. The landscape is further embellished with cranes, gnarled pine trees and distant pavilions.