A Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Black Lacquer Document Box and Cover Early Ming Dynasty

of rectangular form supported on a flared base, the cover inlaid in iridescent slivers of mother-of-pearl with a large walled compound of multi-storeyed pavilions enshrouded in incised clouds, depicting a lone figure seated in the largest mansion on the upper right corner while several others stand on a bricked terrace above a lotus pond in the forefront, including two scholars engaged in a game of weiqi while another is greeting attendants carrying food and refreshments towards an arched gateway, the sides decorated with pine trees and prunus, the base picked out with flowers, the interior and base lacquered in black

There is expected wear and losses of mother-of-pearl inlays to the cover and the box in commensuration with its age (showing on the catalogue illustration). There are repairs to the lacquer ground, predominantly at the corner of the box and re-lacquering along the edges, these is fritting and chips along the edges of the base and crackles to the lacquer ground on the interior.
"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."