A LARGE HARDSTONE INLAID WOOD AND LACQUER SEVEN PANEL SCREEN QING DYNASTY

comprising seven stepped panels, each panel mounted within a hardwood frame carved with alternating bands of archaistic confronting dragons and foliate scrolls, surmounted overall with a prominent shaped crest carved with clouds and inlaid with jade bats flanking a roundel containing a shou character surrounded by five further bats (wu fu), each rectangular panel covered with black lacquer, inlaid with jade, other hardstones, ivory and cloisonne of an 18th century date and later, depicting 'Hundred Antiques' composed symmetrically, the central panel with a cloisonne caparisoned elephant, resting atop a gnarled rootwood base, carrying a jade pot holding an array of scholarly and auspicious objects; the reverse similarly symmetrically composed but depicting 'Hundred Boys' amidst scholars each with poems at the top, the central panel surmounted by an imposing temple beneath the characters 'wan' and 'shou' and an apocryphal Qianlong yubi seal, all resting on a conforming hardwood waisted stand craved with a band of classic foliate scrolls divided by archaic motifs between rows of lotus lappets supported on ruyi form bracket feet (19)

Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1980s.

There is general loss and consolidation to the lacquer and inlay. There are general areas of replacement and loss. The hardwood stand with splits and patches and general wear, particularly along the crest.
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 inscription may be translated as follows;
Panel 1:
'Made for his Imperial Majesty the Emperor for New Year's Day in the year of Ren Shen'
Panels 2 and 3
'Spring returns after a whole year
The year of Ren Shen begins
Ren bodes for prosperity for the arts and skills
Shen ensures abundance for all cultivation and plants'
Central Panel 4:
Ten Thousand Years of Longevity
Emperor Qianlong's Imperial Seal
Panel 5:
The first month is in perfect celestial harmony with the flute
The first season's east wind twirls round the imperial observatory
Panel 6:
Such a propitious beginning foretells harmony throughout the four seasons
Panel 7:
A benevolent reign promises plenty for the eight directions of the realm
Respectfully inscribed by your servant minister Zhao Bing Chong