A SET OF FOUR LACQUERED PANELS WITH INSCRIPTIONS QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

each of rectangular form, inlaid with three vertical columns of inscription in lishu script, cut out of gilt metal, and enclosed within a well-made frame decorated with bats and fretwork

The lacquered panels all have some typical age wear, with small areas peeling paints, and faded gilt frames ; two off the panels have visible lacquer cracks, with the longer one (panel 3) crossing over vertically the panel. Two characters ('jin' on panel 1, and 'gu' panel 4) have partial strokes missing.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The texts are taken from the Liangdufu xu (Preface to the Rhapsody of the Two Capitols), by the Eastern Han historian and poet Ban Gu (32-92), known particularly for his involvement in the compiling of the Hanshu (Book of Han). This is a selection from the full texts, which are contiguous, with a gap of eighteen characters in between the  two blocks, suggesting that there was probably one other panel in the set.

Ban Gu was highly admired during the Qing period, and his writings were often used by calligraphers to illustrate their appreciation of the culture of the Han dynasty.  The inscription here is in lishu (clerical script), typical of Han period stelae.