A FINE PAIR OF GILT-INCISED BROWN-LACQUER CABINETS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of characteristic rectangular form, the pair of doors incised and polychrome and gilt decorated with pairs of birds perched amidst blossoming and fruiting trees issuing from rockwork, the sides similarly decorated, the cusped apron and frame with leafy scrolling lotus, incised bronze hinges and cusped escutcheons, metal shoes to feet

First: Generally good condition but has a large 30cm in diameter area of restoration around the central lock, corners and lower sections of the doors. There are three areas of chipped lacquer to the lower edge of the right door: 3.5cm x 5mm, 1.5cm x 5mm and 2cm x 1cm and there is a 3cm x 0.5mm chip to the top edge of the right door. There is a 4.5cm x 1cm chip to the lacquer to the lower right edge of the apron. There is an 11cm high area of restoration to the lacquer to the upper left side, and a 14cm x 1.5cm area below this to the central right area, and another area of restoration 5cm x 3cm to the left edge of the left hand side. There is also a long L-shaped crack running horizontally and then vertically to the lower area of this side (34cm x 18cm). There is a long crack (128cm) running down the right side. There is also general cracking to the lacquer throughout. The interior is in good condition but has been touched up in several areas. Second: Generally good condition, but has a 5cm x 4cm chip to the top right corner and a 4cm x 1.8cm chip to the lacquer to the top left edge. There is an area of restoration to the top right corner of the right door. There is also an 18cm vertical crack. The right hand side has a vertical crack running most of its length. There are two cracked areas above each foot to this side and some light mould (also found on other cabinet). There is a 10cm are of repair to the upper left side and an 18cm area to the central rear area of this side. There is also cracking above the feet. The condition of the interior is generally good, but has been touched up in several areas. The bronze mounts are most likely original but unusual in that the hinges stick out slightly from the edge of the cabinets.
"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."

In China, the cabinet stood as the dominant piece in furnished rooms and the present pair is a stunning example of the high degree of decorative proficiency that was achieved by craftsmen. The two doors are magnificently decorated with a traditional scene of birds, fruiting plants and rockwork, while the frame and apron is filled with a dense lotus scroll in a bold display of the craftsmen's expertise of the medium.

Two decorative techniques have been skilfully combined to create the dynamic yet meticulously executed design. The techniques of qiangjin ('etched gold'), where the lines of a design are incised and filled with gold, and tianqi ('filled-in'), where coloured lacquer was applied to enhance details and contrast against the ground, create a sense of depth and enchantment to the design. These techniques were often combined during the Ming dynasty when they were especially popular and continued to be used in the Qing, with many pieces bearing Qianlong marks.

An imperial cabinet with a closely related design enclosed in panels was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 2 May 2005, lot 570; a red-ground cabinet decorated with dragons and phoenix is illustrated in Michel Beurdeley, Chinese Furniture, Tokyo, 1979, pl. 152; and a smaller example with bird and flower motifs was sold in these rooms, 2^nd May 1985, lot 46. Compare a pair of imperial chairs of this type, also decorated with birds and flowers, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 10^th April 2006, lot 1820; and a rectangular throne embellished with dragons published ibid., pl. 144.