AN INLAID ZITAN 'PEONY AND PHEASANT' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the cover finely inlaid with an array of hardstones and mother-of-pearl, depicting two pheasants resting on jagged rocks among two gnarled branches of peony

Good overall condition with just minor consolidation at the fragile extremities especially the corners. Typical age cracks and general surface wear.
"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."

This finely carved and inlaid zitan wood box follows in the tradition of works by the great Jiajing period carver Zhou Zhu, recorded in the writings of the Ming and Qing literati as having worked in Yangzhou in Jiangsu province during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor. For additional information on his work, see the footnote to lot 12. For another early Qing dynasty rectangular zitan box of this form and closely related decoration, see the example from the Qing court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 228.