A CARVED POLYCHROME LACQUER BUDDHIST ALTAR ORNAMENT QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

carved as a circular pierced medallion enclosing a large lotus blossom with a scrolling foliage border, resting on a plinth modelled as a large lotus bloom with multi-layered petals and a flat top carved to simulate a lotus pod, the blossom borne on a stem decorated with a herringbone spine and flanked by scrolling foliage, all resting on a circular flat-topped domed base, the top delicately carved with two lotus blossoms wreathed in foliate scrolls, the dome bordered with a pendent stylised ruyi-shaped lotus lappet border, between two bands of ruyi-heads, the foot further bordered with a key-fret band, all delicately carved through the red outer layer to the subtle green and ochre-yellow layers beneath

Collection of Derek Clifford.

Derek Clifford, Carved Chinese Lacquer, London, 1992, pl. 97.
Lacquer: From the Collection of Derek Clifford, Spink & Son Ltd., London, 1999, cat. no. 28.

The overall condition is very good, with the exception of some typical crackles and small chips, especially to the swastika band circling the medallion and the tips of the lotus petals. A few areas appear to have been retouched, including the left corner of the top lotus pod, the bottom right tip of the foliate scroll, as well as a few tiny areas to the main lotus's petals and cinnabar lotus scroll band on the reverse. The centre of the base is covered with overpaint.
"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."