A 'QIANGJIN' AND 'TIANQI' LACQUER RECTANGULAR BOX AND COVER WANLI MARK AND PERIOD, DATED XINCHOU YEAR (CORRESPONDING TO 1601) |

of rectangular shape with lobed corners, the cover incised and painted in the qiangjin technique and further picked out in the tianqi polychrome enamels, decorated with a cartouche enclosing a landscape scene with an official and three attendants against a wan diaper ground, the longer sides with two confronting dragons in mutual pursuit of a flaming pearl reserved within a cartouche, the narrow sides with further dragons and floral sprays, all framed by scrolling lotus around the contours, the box similarly decorated, the interiors and base lacquered black, the base with an incised and gilt mark, dated xinchou year of the Wanli reign (corresponding to 1601)

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th April 2010, lot 1935.

There is an approx. 1.8 x 0.7 cm chip with associated losses to the rim of the cover. The central panel on the cover has some black residue covering some of the main decoration. There are several losses to the rim of the box (the largest approx. 2.9 x 0.8 cm), and a small, approx. 1 cm area of loss to one corner on the base. A few of the corners may have been lightly restored. Much of the box and cover has been left in an "un-restored condition" with natural age cracks and expected wear to the gilt decoration throughout the surface.
"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."