AN INSCRIBED AND DATED SIX-PANEL COROMANDEL LACQUER SCREEN, QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD, DATED 1684 |

boldly carved on one side with a pair of deer resting in an idyllic landscape setting next to elaborate rockwork and surrounded by flowering prunus, bamboo and pine trees on a monochromatic ivory background, one panel with a poetic inscription dated to the 22nd year of Kangxi corresponding to 1684, the reverse not carved 

 Compagnie Française de l'Orient et de la Chine, Paris, before 2010 (by repute).

Extensive areas of restoration and repainting along the lower parts of each panel, along the edges of each panel, cracks through the lacquer along the joints of the underlying wood structure, along the edges, particularly to the lower right hand side. Some overall losses to the lacquer. (The screen is divided in two parts of three panels each).
"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."

The present screen is especially striking for its central depiction of a pair of spotted deer, superbly incised with brown fur and white spot markings, presenting a birthday wish of longevity. This composition with two deers can be found as well on the screen in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, illustrated by Wilfried De Kesel and Greet Dhont, Coromandel Lacquer Screens, Bussels, 2002, ill.41. Compare with an eight-panels coromandel lacquer on black ground screen, 18th century, depicting flowering trees, rockwork and spotted deer sold in our rooms in NYC, 28/29 December 1989, lot 337. Compare also with a magnificent twelve-panels coromandel screen with two spotted deer, Kangxi period, sold in our rooms in NYC, 14th September 2011, lot 145.