the four curved sides rising from a short foot to a short neck, the facetted curved spout set opposite a C-shaped handle, the domed cover surmounted by a knop, the base impressed with a seal mark reading Zheng Jingyu zhi ('made by Zheng Jingyu')

Paul Moss，〈I-Hsing-Tea-Taste〉，《國際中國鼻煙壺協會學術期刊》，卷10，第3期，1978年9月，頁10，圖20

There are two minor chips to the underside of the cover - 0.1 by 0.7cm and 0.1 by 0.4cm . Otherwise good condition with just insignificant surface wear.
"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."

Paul Moss，〈I-Hsing-Tea-Taste〉，《國際中國鼻煙壺協會學術期刊》，卷10，第3期，1978年9月，頁10，提及此壺之圓形押印，確認其造於十八世紀初期。參考一件近類鄭荊玉作方壺，錄於《紫砂印象》，浙江省博物館，浙江，2010年，頁38，2013年6月4日售於北京匡時，編號2164。

此類方壺造形可溯至晚明雛本，如杜月笙舊藏༒一例，徐友泉款，紀年甲寅（公𝕴元1592年），1978年11月29日售於香港蘇富比，編號376，載於 Paul Moss，〈I-Hsing-Tea-Taste〉，前述出處，圖1。