China, late 17th to 18th century. Of cylindrical form, finely carved in openwork with a group of scholars and attendants in a rocky landscape observing a game of weiqi played by two of the group, one grabbing his next piece from his counter container (weiqizhe), framed by gnarled pine trees, the reverse with further trees, craggy rockwork, and a pavilion below misty clouds.

Inscriptions: To one side, 'Qingtong […] Zhiyuan'. One seal.

Provenance: From a German private collection.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, few expected minor age cracks, occasional light scratches, and few small nicks. With a fine, smooth, dark patina.

Weight: 444.9 g
Dimensions: Height 17.1 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby's London, 9 November 2018, lot 344
Price: GBP 9,375 or approx. EUR 14,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A carved bamboo 'scholars' brushpot, 17th/18th century
Expert remark: Compare the related subject, material, and manner of carving. Note the size (15 cm).