清十八世紀 紫檀菱花式小盤

the flat quatrefoil centre surrounded by slightly curved sides, gently flaring from a conforming foot and recessed base to a beaded rim, the wood of characteristic dark reddish-brown colour with an attractive patina

There are two small flakes of triangular section (approx. 5 mm) restuck at the rim. Two section of the beaded rim are restored (approx 1.5 and 2.5 cm). There are a couple of small (3 and 5 mm) shallow minute chips to the footrim and a few minor nicks to the mouth rim. Otherwise the tray is overall in good condition.
"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 tray, made from the most precious and highly esteemed timber available to the master craftsmen, represents the scholar's fondness for objects that are simple yet elegant in form. With its jade-like silky texture, extremely fine and dense grain, subtle and deep lustre, zitan was the favoured timber of the Ming and Qing Courts. Its slow growth period combined with its limited availability, growing mainly in the southern regions, such as Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, made it especially valuable. By the Qing dynasty, excessive felling of zitan led to the exhaustion of its supply in China and large quantities had to be imported from islands in the South Pacific. During Kangxi's reign demand for zitan was so great that even young trees were cut, resulting in the complete extinction of the species in China. By Qianlong's reign, special measures were taken by the Court to protect any existing stores of zitan which were kept in the warehouses of the Imperial Workshop.