Panneau rectangulaire en laque rouge sculptée Chine, dynastie Qing, XIXE siècle ou légèrement antérieur

finement sculpté de personnages se livrant à diverses activités sur des terrasses plantées de rochers, pins, bambous, pruniers, bananiers et autres arbres surplombant un paysage lacustre enjambé d'un pont, deux lettrés se livrant à la calligraphie entourés de leurs serviteurs, un groupe jouant de la musique, un daim au premier plan, signé en bas à gauche "Hua Zong Ke" (carved by Hua Zong), le revers laqué noir agrémenté d'une inscription

Some chips and small accidents around the edges, visible on the photos: chip to the lacquer at the bottom left corner (2,5 x 0,7 mm approx) , another at the bottom right , two chips to the upper right edge (aprox 2,5 and 1,5 cm), a small drilled hole to the four corners, a few chips and losses to the black laquer on the reverse, the longest on a small band to the upper right 8 cm x 5mm, some repaints around the panel ; expected crackling to the black lacquer to the reverse.
"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."

The inscription carved on the back of the panel is an Emperor Qianlong's poem originally composed in 1748 after a copy by Ding Guanpeng of the painting "Elegant gathering in the Western Garden" by the Ming Dynasty's painter Qiu Ying and respectfully carved by the Official Cao Wenzhi (dead in 1798).
The paintings by Ding Guanpeng and the one by Qiu Ying are recorded in the Imperal Catalogue (Shiqu baoji).