Deux couvertures de sutra en laque rouge à décor à l'or, jingzhiban Dynastie Ming, époque Yongle

chaque panneau recouvert d'une couche de laque rouge à décor à l'or au centre d'un triatna, les côtés non décorés, le revers orné d'un cartouche polylobé abritant le nom du sutra en chinois et en tibétain (2)

Both covers have on the front and back cracks to the lacquer along the lines where the wooden boards beneath the lacquer are joined. There is some wear to the lacquer and some losses to the lacquer along the edges of both covers and to the raised parts of the the wood. There are several areas on both covers where the lacquer has been retouched. The lacquer is of a slightly lighter tone than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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."

It is unusual to find a sutra cover of this sparingly decorated type. Compare a similarly decorated cover but with a longer inscription, sold Sotheby's Hong Kong, 31st October 1995, lot 632. Another example was included in the exhibition Chugoku Urushi Kogei Ten, Hirano Kotoken, Tokyo, 1991, cat. no. 23.