A RARE FINELY INLAID SOAPSTONE CURIO CABINET QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of square section lavishly inlaid with panels of figures, flowers or vessel reserved on a bamboo-veneer ground, framed by multi-coloured soapstones finely incised with butterflies and flowers on wave-diaper ground,  the tectal cover with a lady seated on a spindleback chair reading a book in a garden under a tall pine tree, the table before her laid out with peaches, a vase and books, the sides of the cover inlaid with panels of fruit sprays, flowers and vessels, the doors with two scenes, the left door with two ladies pointing at each other, and the right with a woman stooping before a bowing man, the soapstone set against finely painted architectual structures, the left and right sides each with three panels of lobed, quatrefoil, leaf or rectangular shape, enclosing either flowers, vessels or figures, the backside enclosing a scene of two lovers seated on a bench in a rock and pine tree garden, the cover opening up to a shallow tray and revealing a gilt-painted scene of phoenix and peonies on a red ground on the underside of the cover, the main doors opening to a landscape panel on one door and a scholar in a landscape on the other, the interior set with nine small drawers with metal pulls, each inlaid with either flowers, fruit or vessels within a lobed panel, the top centre door opening to reveal a secret six-sided rotating series of drawers, each further decorated with fruits and flowers, the flanking side drawers of triangular section, the exterior fitted with baitong hinges and ruyi-shaped lock plate and supported on a base

The overall condition is very good. One of the hidden drawers is missing. But apart from expected losses to the inlay, age cracks to the bamboo veneer, fading to the painted areas on the bamboo veneer, minor cracks to the soapstone, and scratches to the painted soapstone, the overall condition is very good.
"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."