十七世紀 紫檀嵌寶四季花卉圖四方筆筒

supported on four low feet, each side elegantly carved with a cartouche inlaid with semi-precious stones including malachite, carnelian and amber, one side with a spray of white orchids and lingzhi sprigs with a butterfly hovering above, the second with a gnarled flowering tree, the third with branches of chrysanthemum stemming from a jagged rock, and the last with a gnarled prunus tree and small stalks of bamboo, the wood of a rich dark-brown colour streaked with gold and russet veining

Overall good condition. The inlays have been generally well preserved with only minor nicks and occasional refixes (e.g. the bottom of the begonia panel). There are expected age cracks with a few small refills to the edges (especially to the bottom right of the orchid panel and the top right of the begonia panel) and the base.
"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."

見一相類紫檀百寶嵌花卉草蟲圖方形筆筒，尺寸較此品稍大，屬北京故宮博物院清宮舊藏，錄於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品大系：竹木牙角雕刻》，上海，2001年，頁237。另可比一器形及紋飾相似之紫檀筆筒，售於香港蘇富比1992年4月28日，編號285。