of circular section, the vibrant red lacquer finely carved in allover in high relief, the top of the cover with a group of travelers enjoying a picnic on a riverbank set in a mountain landscape, one traveler caught mid-sentence with the mouth open and both arms gesticulating wildly, one companion chuckling and raising an arm in response, the other lifting a wine cup, a fourth figure crossing a bridge in the background with a pole slung over one shoulder, the mountains rising all around the rushing river, trees and pavilions of all shapes and sizes emerging between the bluffs, the details of each element individually articulated, a wave pattern wrapping around the edge of the cover, the sides of the box and cover each carved with a similar continuous landscape dotted with vegetation and buildings, the interiors and base lacquered black (2)

The box and cover each have consolidated age cracks (particularly at the sides and rims, and also to the base), with associated over-painting to the cinnabar areas and re-lacquering to the interiors. The lip of the box has smoothed-down losses, which have been over-painted. There are small losses to the carved lacquer on the box, and some areas of the upper surface of the cover have been buffed, revealing a brighter layer of cinnabar. The sides of the cover have a few areas of filled-in losses.
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.