A mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquer ‘prunus’ tray Yuan/Ming dynasty

of square form, the curved sides raised on four ruyi feet, decorated to the interior with a blossoming prunus tree by a new moon, encircled by stylised floral scrolls, all reserved on a brown-black ground, Japanese wood box

A Japanese Private Collection, acquired in the 1970s.

This tray is in reasonable condition, but there is a small chip to the top right corner and two chips and cracks to the lower left and right corners. There is an area of lighter (brown) colour to the lacquer ground which may be old restoration (but it does not flare under UV light). There is a network of horizontal cracks across the surface and virtical to the upper and lower edges, there is similar cracks to the lacquer to the reverse. There is also numerous scratches.
"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."

See a dish of this type, but inlaid to the sides with chrysanthemum meanders, sold in our New York rooms, 2^nd November 1979, lot 109; and another sold at Christie’s London, 14^th July 1980, lot 318.