A CARVED IVORY LETTER OPENER QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

carved on both faces in low relief with figures amidst tiered pavilions and fenced gardens nestled among gnarled trees and willow beneath scrolling clouds and distant mountains, all reserved against a diaper ground, the handle elaborately pierced with two officials engaged in a game of weiqi with various bystanders and attendants beneath a gnarled prunus tree perched with magpies

The feathery finial on the military official's hat has a 0.8cm area of loss. There are possible chips to the sections of the prunus twigs (the longest measuring circa 0.5cm) and patches on the relief decoration which appear discoloured yellow. The borders show parallel hairline age cracks but the letter opener is in 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."