Inscribed by French soldier from Bordeaux on the base with a note that this brush pot was a souvenir from 1865. The second opium war between Britain + France vs. China ended in 1860 and resulted in major concessions by the Chinese state including the legalization of opium. This solider was likely stationed to re-enforce these concessions post-war.
Brush pots (a.k.a. Bitongs) are traditionally scholars objects and held calligraphy brushes. This example is highly carved with a scholar situated in a landscape being attended to by servants as well as peacocks which symbolize beauty and civilization.
Condition: There is some stable splitting to the bamboo.
Retains a mellow amber patina from age and handling.
