A RARE CARVED POLYCHROME LACQUER QUATRILOBED TRAY MING DYNASTY, 15TH – 16TH CENTURY |

with incurved corners, the interior decorated with a lobed cartouche corresponding to the outline of the tray and depicting a scholar fishing under the moon in a setting arbored with tall wutong trees, each side of the cavetto with a lobed cartouche respectively enclosing chrysanthemum, camellia, peony and pomegranate blooms, the exterior similarly decorated and interrupted with diapered bands, the base lacquered black

Good condition with just insignificant age cracks. The actual colour of the lacquer is deeper and more attractive. Th back side possibly slightly relacquered.
"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."

A closely related polychrome lacquer tray from the Qing court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 79. Slightly larger than the current example, it shares the same distinct quadrilobed form with rounded form, but is decorated with a scene of scholars gathering in a garden.