A PAIR OF PAINTED SOAPSTONE IMMORTALS QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the male figure with a long flowing beard, holding a fly whisk in his left hand and carrying a sword on his back, wearing a loose-fitting robe of green colour engraved with dragon roundels, ruyi heads, and floral borders, the female figure with her hair tied up above into two triangular loops, carrying a lingzhi stock, wearing a red dress with incised floral medallions and flower scrolls, the gilt-bronze stands each of rectangular shape supported on four feet with ram-head terminals, each set with a drawer at the waist surmounted by a rectangular wooden base, overall decorated with leafy scrolls, lotus petals, and floral panels, inlaid with turquoise, glass, and coral

The female figure could possibly be broken and repaired with a horizontal crack running approximately 7cm up from the bottom of the figure. The two top knots has been broken and repaired, the lines of breakage is covered with black paint but is still visible to the naked eye. There are overall small chips and loss of paint, particularly along the extremities such as the edges of the robes. The ends of the lingzhi sprig held in the figure's hand is cracked with an associated 0.5 x 0.2cm loss, most probably caused by an impact force. The face of the figure has been broken and repaired with visible seams and traces of glue around the cap.The little finger and ring finger of the male figure are lost. The right foot of the figure and the tip of the sword were probably broken and repaired. There is a 0.8 x 0.5cm chip to the hem of the robe near that foot. There is an approx. 10cm vein running across the figure's chest with associated flakes. There are minor nibbling and small nicks along the extremities, such as the edges of the robe (largest 1.5 x 0.5cm). The stands are in overall good condition with the exception of areas of loss, loss to the inlay and wooden supports. The gilding is lightly rubbed and with traces of verdigris deposits.
"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."