A MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID BLACK LACQUER MEDICINE BOX MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY |

of rectangular form with two mounted metal handles suspended at the sides, the latched cover opening to reveal an integral tray, the front panel latched and secured with a key lock, the exterior of the cover and sides each meticulously inlaid with shaped and incised segments of mother-of-pearl forming a central lobed cartouche enclosing an auspicious scene of the Eight Immortals, boys at play, or scholars at leisure in a garden all reserved against an inlaid diaper ground, the interiors of the cover and front panel inlaid with calligraphic inscriptions, an inlaid floral scroll wrapping the bottom edge of the box, the interior with an upper tray over one long and four short drawers (Japanese and later-added), the metal key with a fabric pouch both attached by a cord, the five inlaid interior drawers Japanese and later-added, inscribed Japanese wood box (11)

Japanese Private Collection.

The exterior with evident wear and loss of both lacquer and mother or pearl decoration. There is restoration to small losses along the edges and corners. The interior restored and relacquered and with replacement drawers and mounts. Please note that this lot will require a CITES permit for export outside of the United States.
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.

According to an inscription by Sakuma Shōzan (1811-1864) on the Japanese wood box, the present inlaid lacquer medicine box was in the collection of Dai Mangong (1596-1672), a late Ming dynasty scholar-monk from Hangzhou, who moved to Japan in 1653 and practiced medicine there. Dai was also known as Dokuryu Shoueki. According to the same inscription, the medicine box was subsequently in the collection of Mr. Shibuya. The last line of the inscription includes the date it was written: tenpo sinchu natsu satsuki, corresponding to May 1841.