An Yixing treetrunk-shaped brushpot, bitongChen Mingyuan seal markNationalistically modelled as a section of prunus trunk, potted and carved in high relief with gnarled branches and luxuriant flower buds and blossom, the body of a rich chocolate-brown colour.12.5cm (4 3/4in) high.注脚宜興紫砂梅樁筆筒「陳」「鳴遠」篆書模款Provenance: Quek Kiok Lee Collection (1921 – 2018), acquired on 8 September 1972, Singapore, and thence by descent來源：新加坡郭克禮（1921 – 2018）舊藏，於1972年9月8日購自新加坡，並由後人保存迄今Chen Mingyuan was one of the leading and most versatile potters active during the late Kangxi (1662-1722) and Yongzheng (1723-35) periods. Trained by his father Chen Ziqi, a distinguished 17th century potter, he is best known for his scholar's articles through which he was able to achieve a particularly refined sense of realism. His vessels are best known for their thin bodies and fine craftsmanship while his inscriptions were said to be in the style of the Sui and Tang calligraphers. Other names he used include Hecun, Hefeng, Shixiashanren and Huyen.Compare with two related examples of treetrunk-shaped brushpots, both bearing the seal of Chen Mingyuan, illustrated in Themes and Variations: The Zisha Pottery of Chen Mingyuan, Hong Kong, 1997, pls.39 and 40. See also G.Tsang and H. Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, no.167, for a discussion about Yixing potters of the 20th century.