A PAIR OF SALMON-GROUND CHAIR PANELS Qing dynasty, 18th Century

each woven with a four-clawed dragon in pursuit of a flaming pearl amidst scrolling clouds, all above a central medallion with archaistic phoenixes radiating to bi disks entwined with pairs of dragons in each corner, the panels at the top and bottom decorated with cranes and confronting dragons

Sotheby's New York, 7th May 1981, lot 170.

The two panels are now sewn together and mounted on Japanese silk brocade. The left panel: there is some minor staining to the top of the panel. Also, there is some stress and tear across the clouds below the large dragon and just above the panel at the bottom of the panel, probably resulting from being folded over the years. The right panel: there are two areas of discoloration, one right below the rectangular panel at the top and the other just above the panel at the bottom, as can be seen in the illustration in the catalogue. There are some minor tears resulting from being folded over the years. The overall condition is good. The color is overall slightly lighter than illustrated in the catalogue.
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.