A YELLOW LACQUER 'CRANES' TRAY

of lozenge shape with shallow rounded sides, the centre of conforming shape plainly lacquered in brown, framed by a wide yellow-ochre border containing five cranes in flight amidst densly swirling ruyi-shaped clouds, deeply carved through to the red ground, the exterior similarly decorated with six cranes in flight, the base lacquered in brown and framed by the low foot

The overall condition is very good with only a few light age cracks and a little wear to the feet (one small lacquer flake to the foot).
"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."

In its form and decoration the present tray is unusual, although a cinnabar lacquer tray of similar diamond shape, the cavetto finely carved with images of sixteen seated arhats within grottos surrounded by trees and plants, and the main body of the tray similarly left plain, from the collection of the Hirase Family in Osaka, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 26^th April 2004, lot 1105. A plain brown lacquer tray of this distinctive shape with bracket lobes is illustrated in Hai-Wai Yi-Chen. Chinese Art in Overseas Collections. Lacquerware, Taipei, 1987, pl. 90, from the collection of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.