AN INLAID LACQUER 'BOYS' TABLE CABINET QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

elaborately inlaid with an array of materials including iridescent shells, mother-of-pearl, soapstone, lapis lazuli, stained horn and lacquered wood against a lacquered ground, the front decorated with a garden scene with five boys at play, set with a foliate huangtong lock plate and a ruyi-shaped clasp above a pair of door pulls suspending conjoined fish, the cover embellished with flowering peony and magnolia branches issuing from jagged rocks, the sides with further flower and finger citron branches and flanked by angular handles, the interior comprising a tray atop four fitted drawers, all similarly embellished with hardstones, the corners with ruyi-shaped metal reinforcements

The chest has been preserved in overall good condition. There has been some minor stabilisation to the inlays. There are restored areas with associated retouching and other areas of relacquering, especially to the corners and other fragile extremities. As expected, other minor cracks and bruises.
"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."

Compare a table cabinet of this type decorated with scenes of figures among rockwork, foliage and insects on the broad surface, sold in our New York rooms, 19th/20th October 1988, lot 486; and one inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gold and silver, also sold in our New York rooms, 14th September 2011, lot 186.