A Rare Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid 'Peony' Lacquer Box and Cover Korea, Chosŏn Dynasty, 16th / 17th century

of rectangular form supported on a flat base, finely inlaid in iridescent sections of mother-of-pearl on a black lacquer ground, the cover with peony blossoms at three different stages of growth, including two half-open buds in the centre flanked by two tightly closed buds and four heads in full blooms at the corners, all wreathed in elegantly swaying foliate stems, the sides similarly inlaid with scrolling peonies, the edges of the cover picked out with a mother-of-pearl inlaid border

Treasures of the early Chosŏn dynasty, 1392-1592, Ho-Am Art Gallery, Seoul, 1996, cat. no. 158.

There are a few chips to the lacquer as well as tarnishing to the mother of pearl inlays in commensuration with age, but overall the box has been very well preserved. Some sections of mother of pearl are missing or been replaced, predominantly along the longer edges of the box, or on some flowers, including a 1 by 1.2 cm section on one of the blossoms on one of the narrower sides of the box, but overall the condition of the inlays is rather good. There is a horizontal crack to the side of the box at the joint with the base on one of the narrower sides, a scratch on one of the longer sides, and a few occasional chips or dents to the edges of the base. There are scratches and wear to the base. The interior of the box has probably been re lacquered as well as the interior rim of the box.
"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."

Compare a mother-of-pearl inlaid lacquer 'peony' box in the British Museum, London, illustrated on http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/l/lacquer_box_with_mother-of-pea.aspx.