the bright and finely enameled domed base encircled by a row of lappets rising to a chevron-painted narrow rectangular stem flanked by openwork curling leaves to a five-tiered lotus enclosing a recessed lotus pod from which emerges an emblem, the conch shell, luo and the vase, ping enclosed within a turquoise ground medallion with foliate scroll, the base glazed turquoise, six-character seal mark in iron-red (2)

Both have losses to the turquoise enamel on the emblem. One with a shallow chip to the tip of a lotus petal and the emblem has been reaffixed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The conch shell is a symbol of dignity and high rank and the vase connotes not only its function as jar for relics but also perpetual harmony and the triumph of birth over death. The two would have been part of a set of the bajixiang (Eight Buddhist Emblems), and the set would have been placed on an altar to serve as sacred reminders.