A Cinnabar Lacquer 'Dragon and Figure' Stand 18th Century

the lobed quatrefoil top supported on a pierced waist and splayed 'cloud'-shaped apron extending onto scrolling legs, all resting on a lobed base of conforming section, carved and lacquered in red with a five-clawed dragon writhing above jagged rocks among leafy pomegranates, all enclosed in a lobed panel reserved on a wan-diaper ground repeated on the apron and on the base, the apron decorated with figural scenes and flowers, the legs incised with prunus blossoms and ruyi on the interior, the base decorated with three sages conversing under the moon within a petal-bordered medallion, the base and the underside of the top lacquered in black, the latter inscribed in red paint with a six-character mark reading Shuri wangfu shangdian ('For use in the Shang Hall of Shuri Castle')

There are several repairs to the lacquer around the base with re-lacquering, and further re-lacquering along the edge of the top. Otherwise the Stand has been well preserved and remains in fairly good condition.
"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."

Shuri Castle was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The date of its construction is uncertain, but it was clearly in use as a castle during the Sanzan period (1322–1429). After unifying the three principalities of Okinawa, King Sho Shin (1477-1526) established his residence in Shuri Castle which was to become the administrative centre of the Kingdom for the next 450 years. Shuri Castle was eventually captured by the armies of Satsuma during the 1609 invasion of Ryukyu and converted into baracks for the Japanese army after 1879. Shuri Castle was destroyed in 1945 during the battle of Okinawa and rebuilt in 1992 on the original site.