AN INLAID ELM BURLWOOD TWO-TIERED BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, JIAJING PERIOD

the cover finely inlaid in mother-of-pearl, carnelian, crushed shells and other hardstones, depicting a warrior standing sternly next to a large leafless tree and an outcrop issuing lingzhi, and a groom depicted leading a horse away from the warrior, carved with a Zi'ang mark, fitted with an internal tray

Overall good condition with very minor nicks and losses to the inlays, with certain areas possibly reinforced. There is a small restored section of approx. 0.5 by 2 cm to the bottom left of the cover. There are also typical shrinkage along the edges and light surface wear. The bases of the tiers are of a different type of wood.
"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."

Zi’ang is the courtesy name of Zhao Mengfu, a prince and descendant of the Song Dynasty, and a Chinese scholar, painter, and calligrapher during the Yuan Dynasty, who specialised in the painting of horses. In the early Yuan period, when the ruling Mongols curtailed the employment of Chinese scholar-officials, the theme of the groom and horse became a symbolic plea for the proper use of scholarly talent. The famous Zhao Mengu painting Grooms and Horses in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is illustrated in Harrist Jr., Robert E. and Virginia Bower. Power and Virtue: The Horse in Chinese Art, China Institute in America, New York, 1997, cat. no. 19. The current box, so superbly inlaid with scenes of a warrior, horse and groom, is carved in the spirit of this rich artistic tradition.