the upper surface of the cover carved in relief with a frontal three-clawed dragon writhing amidst trailing cloud scrolls, the stone of a place celadon tone

J. J. Lally & Co., New York, 2017.

The jade box is in good condition. There are expected minute nicks to the extremities, especially both sides of the outer rim. The actual colour of the stone is whiter than the catalogue illustration.
"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 quality of the jade from which this box has been fashioned is highlighted through the restrained carving, reserved only for the top of the cover with the rest of the vessel left plain. Related boxes include one carved with birds and a pomegranate tree, from the collection of Geoffrey C. Hughes, sold at Christie's New York, 27th November 1991, lot 191; one decorated with a peach spray, sold at Christie’s London, 6th June 1988, lot 12; another carved with peony blossoms, scrolling leaves and ribbon-tied leaves and raised on a ring foot, sold twice in our Hong Kong rooms, 30th November 1980, lot 527 and 19th May 1987, lot 324; and a fourth example, rendered with a hibiscus bloom and encircled by a band of petals, also sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 3rd/4th December 2015, lot 443.