A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER FOUR-TIERED BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

of square section with canted corners, the cover with a lakeside scene depicting a scholar in the doorway of an open pavilion awaiting the arrival of another scholar accompanied by his attendant bearing a qin, framed by open rockwork, pine and wutong trees, the sides carved with composite floral scroll bands, all supported on an apron-shaped foot with stylized ruyi scrolls, the interiors and base lacquered black, Japanese wood box (7)

Collection of Viscount Naonori Matsudaira (1869-1931).
Sotheby's London, 11th May 2011, lot 121.

Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo (prior to 1930, according to museum label).

The interiors re-lacquered; at least two tiers' and the cover's interiors with scattered tight creases, becoming splits. The cover interior with bruises and touch ups to the corners. Each tier with further restoration on one to three interior corners. The exteriors with scattered minor splits or cracks including one filled split at the base of the cover and two small areas of touch-ups.
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.