A Chinese Rootwood Carved Scholar's Rock with Egret

A naturalistic wood carving with lacquer finish in the form of a scholar's rock, with an inscription in Chinese calligraphy rubbed in green to lower front next to a later standing egret, the calligraphy reads: Clouds Arise, Made in the Guihai year, the 8th year of the Qianlong reign (1743), Created in late autumn, By the Master of West Pond (Xichi Zhuren), the title "Clouds Arise" 雲起 is a common poetic title for naturalistic root wood carvings, evoking mountain scenery and ethereal atmosphere.


23 1/4 x 14 1/2 x 10 in.

The signature 西池主人 (Xichi Zhuren) refers to 沈全林 (Shen Quanlin), a celebrated bamboo and wood carver who worked during the 18th century. He was not known for rootwood carvings, so this may be a later carving by another artist honoring him.

Very good condition; scattered stress cracks to wood; later egret with repair to neck.