TWO MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID LACQUER BOXES QING DYNASTY 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

each of rectangular section resting on a splayed base apron, finely inlaid in slivers of mother-of-pearl on black lacquer ground, the larger box with an ethereal scene of immortals, in the centre a lady wearing long flowing robes and clutching a spray of osmanthus stands near a footbridge among clouds, looking at the alchemist Zhang Qian on his log raft cruising on a stream with a variety of fish leaping among pond weeds, meanwhile other female immortals sit contemplating the scene in storeyed pavilions emerging from clouds in the distance, next to two birds in flight above steep rocks under the moon, all within bracket shaped corners picked out with two types of floral diaper grounds, the sides decorated with shaped panels containing sprays of flowers and butterflies against a cash-diaper ground; the smaller box inlaid with a pastoral scene depicting two men seated in a boat and a boy crossing a footbridge trailing a buffalo towards a walled country residence, all among rock formations and a lush variety of trees with two birds hovering at moonlight, the sides decorated with barbed panels enclosing boys at play against floral-diaper grounds, the interior inlaid with sprays of camellia and later fitted with an inkstone and Japanese iron suiteki         

A private Japanese collection.

The boxes both have crackles to the lacquer and some chips to the corner edges, expected minor losses and retouching but are overall in good condition. The box was later adapted to fit the waterdropper. The iron waterdropper fitted in the smaller box has extensive rust.
"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."