A Lacquer and Wicker Footed Tray 17th Century

of square form with straight sides and cusped corners tapering towards the base, all raised on a pedestalled foot of conforming section, the black lacquer ground inlaid around the exterior with sections of wickerwork contained within recessed lobed panels, further highlighted in gold at the corners with starbursts wreathed in scrolling foliage and 'classic' scrolls along the frames, all above a band of key-fret at the foot, the base lacquered in black, the interior in red

The tray is likely to be the lower section of a box, now missing its cover. There are some age cracks and flakes to the black lacquer ground, predominantly around the foot, together with rubbing to the gilding at the corners. The wickerwork is uneven in areas and bear a few light scratches. The interior is likely to have been re-lacquered. Otherwise the condition is good and consistent with the age of the vessel.
"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."

The earliest use of woven bamboo basketry with lacquer is found on a fan and three boxes excavated at Mashan in Jiangling, Hubei province, datable to the mid- to late-Warring States period (3rd century BC). This combination of materials appears to have been popular during the Ming and early Qing periods in southeast China, parallel to the growing prosperity of the region and the availability of fine bamboo for weaving.