Rare suite Impériale de vingt-trois bâtons à encre Chine, dynastie Qing, XVIIIE - XIXE siècle

de forme rectangulaire à dimension variable à décor sculpté en relief d'une scène continue illustrant le processus de tissage, chacun agrémenté d'un titre à deux caractères gravés et dorés, le revers orné d'une inscription gravée et dorée décrivant la scène et surmontée de deux caractères horizontaux Yu Gao, une proclamation impériale, protégés par une couverture en brocart de soie jaune dans une boîte en laque à décor sur le couvercle de deux dragons affrontés à la poursuite de la perle enflammée, les bords intérieurs à décor de rinceaux à l'or et incrustations de nacre, l'intérieur habillé de soie jaune, une seconde boîte en laque aux dimensions similaires jointe, l'intérieur revêtu d'une soie jaune épaisse, l'extérieur à décor rouge et or d'un dragon à cinq griffes de face (28)

Box on the left : the complete set of 23 each in overall very good condition except for one inkcake with a chip to the lower right hand corner. The box is in overall good condition, there is only one triangular circa 1cm wide shallow chip to the base on the lower right hand corner. There is light wear to the lacquer along the edges and rim of the cover, the design on the cover is slightly worn. Otherwise pretty good condition. Box on the right : is empty, there are two side panels missing on the cover and a third panel has come off but is there. One side panel of the box is missing, the yellow silk inside is slightly stained and there is a split going through the center of the cover. The gold is slightly more saturated than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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 depiction of farming and weaving on ink cakes was first used by Cao Sugong, an inkcake maker in the Imperial workshops. Compare an almost identical set of inkcakes signed Cao Sugong, formerly in the Qing court collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum: The Four Treasures of the Study - Inksticks and Writing Brushes, vol. 49, Beijing, 2005, pl. 54. Compare a set of inkcakes of the same subject and similarly placed in a painted lacquer box, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th May 2009, lot 1918.