A LARGE CARVED IVORY 'WATER MARGIN' PLAQUE QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

of gently curved rectangular outline, finely carved in high relief with numerous characters and scenes from the novel 'The Water Margin', flanked by angular scrolls and scrolling kuilong at each end; wire inlaid wood stand (2)

There are a number of stained age cracks on the reverse. The lower edge and two areas on the reverse are stained through contact with the wood stand. There is a 2 in. (5 cm.) long crack through the lower right corner.
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 Water Margin, Shuihu Zhuan, also known as Outlaws of the Marsh, is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It tells the stories of one hundred and eight outlaws who fight corrupt government forces, eventually gaining amnesty and who end up fighting for their country.

Key episodes that are identifiable in the present lot include Gao Qiu attacking the outlaws by boat, Wu Song killing a tiger with his bare hands while drunk, the battle at the Zhu Family Hamlet, and the Liangshan Grand Assembly.  Some of the major characters identifiable by their characteristic weapons include Qin Ming with his wolf tooth club, Li Kui with his double axes, Wu Yong with his bronze hammer, Hu Sanniang with her double sabers, and the monk Lu Zhisheng with his spade axe.

The present lot is remarkable for its fine carving and the attention to detail that allows individual characters to be identified.