A KESI 'DEER' PANEL QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

portraying a buck standing by gnarly pine and peach trees, the recumbent doe lying by a brook and gazing up at him, the rocky banks sprouting clusters of lingzhi, chrysanthemum and peony, while a pair of bats fly overhead, the details picked out in black, white, turquoise and red pigments, later mounted

There is some slight staining along the edges of the panel, as well as pale vertical streaks running across the panel. There are wrinkles which occurred during mounting that has been flattened. Otherwise in good overall condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The pairs of deer and bats symbolize marital bliss, and their names in Chinese are homophones for emoluments and blessings. The deer also symbolize longevity, as they are the companions of Shoulao, the god of longevity. The pine, lingzhi, peaches and chrysanthemums are also symbols of longevity, while the peony represents wealth and honor.  Taken together these elements convey the wish that a married couple have a long and happy life and that their descendants attain wealth and honor.