A GROUP OF CANTON CARVED IVORY VESSELS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

comprising: a pair of vases, a pair of tazza and two baskets and covers; each finely and profusely carved and pierced with panels of figures amidst buildings and gardens

Collection of James Broun Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie and Governor General of India in 1848 -1856.

Vases: These are in reasonably good condition, but on one vase, one of the panels has come away from the shoulder and has split (approx 1cm) to the right side. There is also a small area of damage to the pierced work (3mm by 2mm). The other vase has had a 2.5cm by 1mm chip to the rim, a 3mm by 2mm hole to the pierced work at the shoulder and the interior of the base is loose. Tazza: These both have a number of areas of pierced work that has split and is damaged and there has been shrinkage at the joints, creating gaps, in a number of areas. Baskets: The larger one has a number of splits to the pierced work and shrinkage to some of the panels. There is also cracks to two panels in the base (where one has separated the panel) and there is also shrinkage to the central panel. There is a 2.3cm by 3mm area of damage and loss to the interior rim of the cover. The smaller basket is in better condition but has a 3.5cm by 4mm area of damage and loss to the interior rim of the cover and some minor splitting to the pierced panels.
"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."