A 'Tixi' Lacquer Stemcup Ming Dynasty, 15th Century

the cup with sides curving to a gently everted rim, supported on a splayed foot tapering slightly at the stem, carved to the exterior through thick layers of red lacquer with continuous ruyi-head pommel scrolls arranged in three registers, the interior coated in marbleized brown lacquer, with thin concentric rings at the foot and mouthrim, inscribed to the underside of the hollow foot with an apocryphal Xuande mark

Regina Krahl and Brian Morgan, From Innovation to Conformity: Chinese Lacquer from the 13th to 16th Centuries, London, 1989, pl. 19.

There has been retouching and restoration along the entire inner rim, along some of the outer rim leading down one side of the cup, and around the majority of the base circling the mark. There are cracks lining around and sometimes across the tixi motifs throughout, though some have been retouched.
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.