A SMALL ZITAN SHRINE EARLY QING DYNASTY

constructed in the form of a pavilion, the curved roof fashioned with gently everted edges indented at four points with upturned cusps, the sides of the shrine carved from one piece of wood to form three lobes, all supported on a lobed wood base resting on four small lobed feet, the front with a pair of wood hinged doors opening to reveal a cavity for the placement of a deity statue, the interior framed by a curvilinear shaped apron with cusped spandrels on top and a straight flange at the bottom

Grace Wu Bruce, Feast by a wine table reclining on a couch: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture III, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, pp. 184-185.

Good overall condition with just typical surface wear and scratches. As expected there are age cracks, including a vertical age crack to the interior.
"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."

Small shrines were placed in private homes for worship. This finely crafted piece is one of the few extant examples made in precious zitan wood dated to the early Qing dynasty.