A CANTON POLYCHROME AND CARVED IVORY PLEASURE BOAT QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1840

intricately carved in the form of a double-decker boat consisting of screened rooms divided by pierced floral panels enclosing figures in leisure activities, with further figures seated and standing on the prow and upper deck, the upper deck similarly carved with screened rooms with birds and a seated monkey perched on the roofs and a promenade lined with jardinières of plants, wood stand

Sotheby's London, 5th November 2008, lot 328.

The tall screened compartment on the upper deck of the boat is semi-detached at the base and the side panel at the top has other areas of losses. Losses to various areas of the pierced ivory panels are evident (with some visible in the catalogue illustration), the upper deck has a circa 4 x 2cm loss with associated cracks to the pierced floorboard at the front. The front of the lower deck has a circa 13 x 7cm area of loss to the ivory veneer, other ivory panels along the sides and to the underside of the boat are loose at places (as seen from the catalogue illustration). Minor decorative features such as chairs, flowerpots, birds etc. are detached from the main boat. The side to the front of the boat has two circa 1 x 1cm circular areas of glue mark which probably had a figure attached but is now missing. The paint on the figures are slightly worn but is nevertheless well-preserved.
"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."