Boite à batons d'encre en laque Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Kangxi (1662-1722)

à décor tracé or et rouge sur fond noir d'un dragon à cinq griffes, en vol dans des nuages stylisés, l'interieur en soie jaune à décor de dragon

There is a vertical scratch to the lacquer across the tail of the dragon, running downwards on approx 9,7cm then back upwards on 3,5cm (showing on the illustration in the catalogue)n another radiant approx 8cm across the clouds to the bottom right edge of the cover (also showing on the illustration), some expected wear to the gilding and lacquer on the cover, a vertical harline crack in the black lacquer beneath, but overall the box is 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. 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."

A similar inkstone box from the Kangxi imperial collection is illustrated in Kangxi, Empereur de Chine, La citée Interdite à Versailles, Réunion des musées nationaux, Exhib.cat., 2004, no.18, p.169.

Compare also with a Qianlong example, illustrated in Qing Legacies, The Sumptuous Art of Imperial Packaging, The Macau Museum of Art, Exhib.cat., Macau, December 2000, no.24 p.99