AN INLAID MOTHER-OF-PEARL LACQUER TABLE SCREEN MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of upright rectangular form, inlaid in slivers of mother-of-pearl on a black lacquer ground, one side with an official on a garden terrace holding a gui tablet in front of a stand supporting a burning censer, dressed in a long-sleeved robe checkered with squares of varied iridescence, with two attendants standing behind in front of an open-air pavilion, all below a tall overhanging pine and framed by a 'cash' border, the reverse inlaid with a blossoming prunus tree, the stand with a 'cloud'-shaped apron edged in red and gilt posts on the sides, inlaid with flowering branches and stylised clouds

There are some losses and overall tarnishing to the mother-of-pearl inlays, as visible on the photo. The black lacquer ground is crackled. There are some light dents or flakes along the edges with some retouching to stabilize the lacquer.
"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."

Mother-of-pearl inlaid screens of this type include one depicting a horseman within a barbed panel, sold in these rooms, 8^th October 2008, lot 2593; a much larger example illustrating a vast pavilion landscape, sold in these rooms, 8^th April 2010, lot 1941; and another decorated with a scene of court ladies on a terrace, but of horizontal format, sold in our London rooms, 19^th December 1980, lot 262.