A mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquer table Ming Dynasty, 16th century

of rectangular form supported on a rectangular waist with oblong pierced panels raised on a everted barbed apron incurving at the corners to form the legs, the top finely inlaid with a scene of a group of three scholars on horseback and their attendants on foot arriving at a birthday celebration at a pavilion nestled near a stream with pine, willow and peach trees, the female hostess surrounded by her attendants seen on a terrace receiving her guests, one guest kneeling before her presenting a large bowl of peaches, all enclosed within a quatrefoil border reserved against a cash-diaper ground with the characters Changchun Fugui ('Wealth and status forever') inlaid in the corners, the apron inlaid with panels of birds

The overall condition is quite good. The surface has been relacquered to stablize flaking at some point, but does not appear to be recently done. The inlay appears to be quite intact.
"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."