A PAIR OF CARVED HONGMU SCROLL WEIGHTS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

each of long rectangular form made from old furniture with old joints still visible, carved and undercut with chilong writhing amidst scrolling lingzhi fungus, the flat base left plain

Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, 1986, cat. no. 222. 

The overall condition is quite good. The scroll weights are made from recycled furniture and the joints are still visible. On one, the chilong has brown lacquer on the body and hind legs attaching a section to the scroll weight. There are a couple other areas where small slivers of wood have been shimmed and fitted into gaps. The other one has a 1.5 cm triangular patch on the base filling in an old joint. The surface was once lacquered and traces are still visible on both.
"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."

For examples of scroll weights carved in wood, see a pair, related in form and size but decorated with bats in flight above layers of scrolling clouds, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1^st May 1994, lot 516; and a zitan scroll weight finely carved with confronting sinuous dragons amongst clouds, attributed to the 18^th century, sold in our New York rooms, 29^th November 1994, lot 419.