A LARGE IVORY MODEL OF A FUZHOU FIGHTING JUNK QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

under sail, the hull constructed from ivory plates supporting an arched pontoon deck, with railings made from square panels carved in pierced relief with foliate peony scrolls, the main deck with pierced filigree boards supporting four ivory cannons, the stern with stepped quarterdeck surmounted by a small pavilion within which is seated a Mandarin, and an enclosed gallery richly carved flowering leafy scrolls and stylised bird on the stern, the small stepped foredeck with two bow-chasers and a pair of anchors, the tall main mast topped by a fish wind-vane, and the foremast each supporting working sails made from pierced ivory sheets, the model with a full complement of crewmen painted in bright colours, fitted to a wood stand with Perspex cover

Sotheby's London, 12th July 2006, lot 333.

The junk is in good overall condition with only minor loss and repair; in greater detail: some of the panels on the hull are slightly lifting and in some cases have pulled through the retaining pins and cracked along the edges; the port and starboard side of the top rear canopy has cracking across the middle and minor loss, the roof has one restored panle and minor repair and loss to three others, and minor loss to the rear panel; the rear mast has been re-glued at two points and may be missing part of the top section; the deck cabin has a diagonal break to the roof; there is complete loss to the pierced decoration on one deck panel and a break across another; the crew hae wear and loss to the foot of one member; the flags have faded. The wood stand and Perspex cover 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."