A MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND IVORY INLAID RECTANGULAR ZITAN BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the cover inlaid with a lady seated on a bench playing a qin, surrounded by children playing in a fenced garden in a river landscape, bordered with a lacquered band of keyfret, the sides decorated with birds on flowering branches, the interior covered in a thin layer of brown lacquer

The inlay behind the boy playing the flute is lost. There are other minor areas of inlay loss, such as the feet of the birds and the edges of the branches and petals. The cover has a circa 15cm age crack/split running horizontally across the upper section, also visible from the interior. The interior of the box and the cover have other age cracks, particularly to the corners and along the edges. General surface wear.
"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."