A PAIR OF BLACK LACQUER MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID SQUARE DISHES QING DYNASTY, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

each of square section with rounded indented corners and resting on four short feet, the mouthrim mounted with copper, one finely inlaid on the interior with mother-of-pearl and gold leaf with a seated scholar on a cliff by a shore with his assistant behind him, the landscape with large wutong and maple trees, the cavetto with a band of vertical cartouches enclosing floral motifs, the reverse with a verse from Du Mu's poem Shan Xing, the other inlaid with a scholar beneath large overhanging willow trees with his acolyte behind him, an additional acolyte knocking at a door beneath large maple trees, the reverse inscribed with a verse from a Ming dynasty poem

Bluett & Sons, London.

Layered Beauty: The Baoyizhai Collection of Chinese Lacquer, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2010, cat. no. 28.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is an age crack running horizontally through the interior of the right dish. There are other minor age cracks, scratching to the surface and minor bruising to the rims. Otherwise good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."