A BLUE AND WHITE 'SHOU' BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD

of circular form, the domed cover painted to the centre with a shou character within a double circle, surrounded by eight converging sprays of flowering lotus pods supporting the bajixiang emblems amid leafy foliage, the rounded sides painted with undulating leafy scrolls of lotus pods each supporting a Chinese character forming an inscription reading tiankai shouyu, fuji xianban ('The heavens opened to the land of longevity and happiness reaches the immortals'), the sides of the box with a meandering lotus scroll enclosing another inscription reading fushou kangning, yongbao changsheng ('May the long life be filled with happiness, longevity, health and composure'), the rims and foot encircled with foliate scroll bands

The cover has a five-point star crack with the longest branch measuring 2cm. There are a glaze pull (1 x 0.2cm) and approx. three small glaze chips (0.4 x 0.3cm) and minor glaze firing imperfections including burst glaze bubbles, small raised bumps (largest 0.2 x 0.2cm), minor nicks (largest 0.3 x 0.1cm) and iron spots. The rims and the raised edges to the exterior are nibbled with glaze chips and there are minor surface scratchings.
"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."