This lot is of a cylindrical form, the exterior deftly carved in sophisticated high and low relief with a scene of Zhang Zhihe’s life, the bamboo patinated to a fine oily finish. Zhang Zhihe (732 - 774) was a Chinese government official and Taoist scholar. A native of Jinhua in modern Zhejiang, he was of a romantic turn of mind and especially fond of Taoist speculations. He took office under the Emperor Suzung of the Tang dynasty, but got into some trouble and was banished. Soon after this he shared in a general pardon; whereupon he fled to the woods and mountains and became a wandering recluse, calling himself 'the Old Fisherman of the Mists and Waters'.
This lot is of a cylindrical form, the exterior deftly carved in sophisticated high and low relief with a scene of Zhang Zhihe’s life, the bamboo patinated to a fine oily finish.

Zhang Zhihe (732 - 774) was a Chinese government official and Taoist scholar. A native of Jinhua in modern Zhejiang, he was of a romantic turn of mind and especially fond of Taoist speculations. He took office under the Emperor Suzung of the Tang dynasty, but got into some trouble and was banished. Soon after this he shared in a general pardon; whereupon he fled to the woods and mountains and became a wandering recluse, calling himself 'the Old Fisherman of the Mists and Waters'.