A Zitan Burlwood Tray Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

of rectangular form carved from a single board of burlwood, framed by low convex walls with beaded trim around the base of the interior, the exterior with rounded corners and supported on four corner bracket feet on the underside, the tan and dark brown wood with an even grain of tight whorls and knots

Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Chinese Furniture: One Hundred and Three Examples from the Mimi and Raymond Hung Collection, Hong Kong, 2005, pp. 160-161, no. 85.

Apart from two small water stains on the wood, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

Chinese trays come in a variety of forms and sizes, but very few trays are made of zitan and fewer yet of zitan burl.  Carved from a single board, the surface of the tray is gouged out and finished with a molded rim. The use of a single board minimizes the chances of the tray splitting or warping.