AN IVORY AND WOOD TRAY WITH GOLD MOUNTS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of square form, each side finely carved in openwork with framed panels of leafy archaistic scrolls encompassing two kui dragons flanking a stylized lotus bloom within a border of florets, set above shaped aprons with five bats wreathed by archaistic scolls, the rounded corners mounted with thin gold plaques with a lotus bloom amidst leafy scrolls and centred with a red dot, one mount incised with an eight-character inscription ba sui jin jiu (jiu or qian) san fen wu li ('[Made in the] new year of the 8th year, gold weighing 0.935[?] ounces [29.08g]')  the base set with a wood panel

Acquired in Paris between the 1970s and the early 90s.

The tray is overall in good condition with a few age cracks in the ivory. The red-painted circle in the centre of the gold panels is a later addition.
"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."

For a Ming prototype see the exhibition catalogue Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1990, cat. no. 86. Compare also another late Ming example, sold in our London rooms, 4th November 2009, lot 29.