A HARDSTONE INLAID HUANGHUALI BOX AND COVER LATE MING DYNASTY

the rectangular box with a removable tray on the interior, fitted with a low cover colourfully inlaid with wood, mother-of-pearl, malachite, and bone depicting a moonlit scene with five deer playfully prancing beneath a large paulownia tree, beside rockwork issuing narcissus blooms and ruyi sprigs, with clouds swirling above, the sides of the box and cover with a keyfret band inlaid with silver wire, the wood warm brown in tone with auburn tinges displaying attractive grain   

There is expected minor wear to the box and cover. To the hardstone inlay, there is also some expected wear, but this is only superficial and there are no losses to the carving. The piece is generally in good condition overall.
"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."

The present piece belongs to a group of boxes that were produced during the late Ming dynasty and well into the Qing dynasty. The most comprehensive group of such boxes can be found in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, cat.nos. 219-248.

For a comparable example see a box decorated in this inlay technique with a scene of ten variously-coloured deer, sold in these rooms, 17th May 1989, lot 348, also with a keyfret band around the rim.