A TWO-TIER LACQUERED AND HARDSTONE-INLAID BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

of rectangular form, lacquered overall to a dark chocolate tone, the top inlaid with coloured materials including soapstone, malachite, azurite, lapis lazuli, red coral, ivory, glass and pearls to depict a scene of three European tribute bearers accompanied by attendants, bringing a white elephant, horse, lion and other gifts, all set in an idyllic landscape with pine trees, lingzhi sprays and scrolling clouds, the sides with flowering branches divided by narrow bands of precious objects, the interior lacquered black

The box is in reasonable condition with overall minor craquelure and areas of loss at the edges where hardstones are inlaid and along the rim of each tier. The cover shows nibbling and flaking of the lacquered surface especially around the corners, cracks to the hardstone inlay with associated flakes, a circa 2 x 0.2cm loss and a circa 1.5 x 1.5cm loss to the inlay at the front sides, areas of uneven patination throughout the surface and linear cracks to the underside with the longest measuring circa 17.5cm. It is possible that there has been some inlay replaced to the cover, in the right arm of the figure on horseback, tot he saddle cloth of the elephant, the hind quarters and tail of the camel and to the figure to the lower right beside the lion. There is also some losses to the inlay and replacements to the sides. The plain inner tray has light wear to the lacquer surface particularly along the corners and edges, linear cracks with the longest measuring circa 11cm, and a circa 0.4 x 0.1cm loss to the interior. The middle tier has lost one of the supports and two circa 1.5 x 0.5cm area of loss near the corners round the underside. There are minor nibbling along the edges, linear cracks running across the interior measuring circa 15cm and short cracks to the hardstone inlay. The bottom tier has a linear crack measuring circa 22cm with adjacent cracks running across the interior, there are also many other short cracks along the edgess of the underside. Similar short cracks are found in the hardstone inlay and areas of uneven patination is also evident. There is a 0.2 x 0.2cm chip and another 0.7 x 0.4cm loss to the rim.
"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."