A PAIR OF IVORY-INLAID LACQUER PANELS AND WOOD STANDS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of rectangular form and decorated in a symmetrical fashion to the other, finely inlaid with stained ivory depicting a large phoenix perched on jagged rockwork in the foreground with one leg slightly bent, its plumage meticulously detailed, flanked by small floral sprays issuing from the ground, fifteen smaller birds of various breeds including a crane, a mandarin duck, a wagtail and an oriole depicted with outstretched wings flying towards the central pheonix, all against a background lacquered in white transmuting to a pale turquoise on both ends, mounted in a wooden frame and stand elaboratedly carved with a stylised shou character, foliate scrolls and ruyi blooms, the reverse of the panel painted in gilt with eight bats hovering amongst stylised cloud swirls

There is minor surface wear and bruising to the wood stands, with flaking at the fragile extremities. There is a network of age cracks to the lacquer panels. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are small black dot stains and water marks. Several of the birds appear to have been refixed to the panel. Overall in 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."

This pair of panels is meticulously carved in high relief with the auspicious motif bainiao chaohuang (‘hundred birds courting the phoenix’), which symbolises the relationship between the emperor, embodied in the figure of the phoenix and considered the king of birds, and his officials. The birds depicted in this scene represent the luxutu (‘Picture of the Five Relationships’); the cranes symbolise the relationship between father and son, mandarin ducks the relationship between husband and wife, wagtails the relationship between brothers, and orioles that between friends.

A lacquer screen inlaid with ivory and precious stones with three cranes, in the east-end room of the Palace of Double Brilliance, is illustrated in situ in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II), Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 259, together with another screen of this type, pl. 262. For an example sold at auction, see a pair sold twice in our New York rooms, 21st May 1971, lot 409, and 10th November 1979, lot 317, and again at Christie’s New York, 29th March 2006, lot 254.