A GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID METAL MOUNTED KESI QUIVER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the front with gold and silver-inlaid metal mounts, the upper section engraved with two confronting peacocks flanking a presentation bowl, with a central floret bordered by two smaller florets linked with a thin band of diaper above a lappet band at the lower section, the front and reverse kesi panels with a frontal five-claw dragon

Private Collection, Belgium.

The quiver is in fair overall condition for its age. There are small areas of rust (in particular around the securing pins), cracking, and loss of inlay to the front metal mount, fading, heavy staining and repair to tears on the kesi panel, and heavy cracking and loss to the leather covering the metal mount at the rear.
"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."

Very few examples of Ming dynasty quivers can be found extant and the present piece is remarkable for its preserved condition. The kesi panel is typical of the period; see a Ming kesi buzi (rank badge) with dragon roundels illustrated in John E. Vollmer, Silks for Thrones and Altars, Paris, n.d., p. 38, pl. 13; and a pair of kesi panels depicting two large front-facing dragons, published in Shelagh Vainker, Chinese Silk, London, 2004, pl. 102. A closely related dragon can be seen on an embroidered robe belonging to Empress Xiaojing and unearthed from the Dingling Tomb at Changping, near Beijing, included in New History of World Art. Toyo hen. vol. 8, Tokyo, 1999, pl. 237-238.