TWO SMALL MOULDED AND INSCRIBED GILT-DECORATED INK CAKES QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

comprising: a quatrefoil ink cake decorated with a horse prancing among waves under a gilt four-character inscription reading wen zi zhi zu ('the origins of calligraphy'), the reverse with the poem wang shi mao tian yi shi zhi, cang lung ye mo; and an ink cake of oval form gilded on one side with a dragon grasping a lingzhi in the mouth under the characters, cang lung ye, the reverse with sa wen he zi han hai, followed by two seals 

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1998, lot 885.

The two pieces are likely to have been coated with light varnish to stabilize age crackles through out, more visible on the rounded rectangular ink. There are some occasional touch-ups along the edges with black lacquer to stabilize fritting. The gilding on the rounded rectangular ink is partly rubbed as visible on the catalogue photograph. There is some expected wear through out on the reliefs, consistent with age.
"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."