A RARE PAIR OF CANTON CARVED IVORY LETTER RACKS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

finely and intricately carved with a shaped wall plaque supporting four separate dividers, deeply carved all over with numerous figures engaged in various pursuits set within dense leafy foliage, with Mughal-style lotus, prunus and chrysanthemum borne of leafy tendrils carved to the top and bottom  the letter racks framed by protruding supports each carved with birds, boys and hares, mounted on wood supports and enclosed within domed glass covers

The Duke of Buckingham, Stowe House, Buckinghamshire, UK

Sold at auction in the 'First Great Sale', with the contents of Stowe House, August 1848, lot 156

An English private collection

Examined in the glass frame: The letter racks are in excellent condition with the exception of minor nibbling along the edges of the carving.
"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 catalogue entry for the ivory racks is published in Henry Rumsey Forster, The Stowe Catalogue Priced and Annotated, London, 1848, lot 156. where it is stated that they were purchased by Col. Pratt of Lathbury for £8.5.0.