An ivory inlaid 'immortals' panel Qing dynasty

of rectangular form, embellished in carved and painted ivory to the painted surface with a scene of nine immortals cavorting amidst a fantastical mountainous landscape, depicting two figures standing along the terrace of a riverside pavilion, greeting a central group of three plump immortals floating on water upon a lotus leaf 'raft', while another group of figures, one riding a mythical beast, gather along the riverbank, observed by a further figure in the distance, all amidst towering mountains and below misty clouds, the inlay picked out in muted tones of blue, red, and green, wood frame

The piece was inspected framed and under glass. There are cracks to the painted surface alongside the bottom (16 inches long) and some of the left hand corner. There is a crack to the mythical beast on the bottom right corner 3/4 inch long, and next to a missing section of the hind leg, the piece found between the frame and the panel on the left hand side. The features, extremeties, and robes are in good condition. The wood frame with a chip to the left side 3 1/4 inch long, with a small 1/2 inch chip to the bottom keyfret border, another in the same area coming loose. With the exception of the broken hind leg, the ivory is intact and in good condition.
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.

Compare a related pair of ivory inlaid pictures from the Imperial Palace, mounted as large screens, included in the Petit Palais exhibition, La Cité interdite, Paris, 1996, cat.nos. 113 and 114, pp. 245-246.