of rectangular form crisply carved with the principal motifs in high relief over a fine diaper ground, the flat cover with a scene of four scholars appreciating paintings and antiquities in a garden setting, with attendants, deer, rocks, clouds, and vegetation completing the picture, the sides of the box carved with blossoming magnolia branches, the interior and base lacquered black (2)

The cover and box both with some restoration and clear consolidant applied to multiple areas of the carved lacquer, particularly at the center and left side of the top surface of the cover, and at the corners of the sides. The lower cloud at the left of the cover with a restored chip. The interiors and base all with fine expected age cracks, minor expected wear, and a clear consolidant applied to some areas. The interiors and base have possibly been re-lacquered in the past.
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.

A nearly identical box in the Cincinnati Museum of Art collection is illustrated in Ellen B. Avril, Chinese Art in the Cincinnati Museum of Art, Cincinnati, 1997, cat. no. 99.