of circular form, the flat top carved through layers of cinnabar lacquer in various levels of relief, depicting a scholar with his attendant carrying a qin behind him, in a fenced garden landscape with a pine tree and shrubs growing from rocks, encircled by key-fret borders around the sides of the cover and box, the base lacquered black and incised and gilt with a six-character reign mark, the inside of the cover similarly incised with a four-character gilt-filled inscription reading Xieqin baohe ('Carrying qin treasure box')

There are small retouched areas to the fragile extremities, including a tiny section to a pine bloom on the cover, as well as the inner flange of the box and the edge of the cover, possibly to conceal earlier nicks. The interior of the box as also been relacquered.
"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."