A Louis XV gilt bronze and Japanese lacquer casket mid 18th century

the kidney shaped lacquer lid with raised gilt decoration with Oriental landscape, above a conforming shaped body with bronze edges and closing with strapwork engraved escutcheon and hinges, opening to reveal a red-japanned interior with lid, the bottom with faux aventurine lacquer decoration

This charming box has the lacquer with minor losses and scratches, the body with a shrinking crack which is visible from the catalogue photograph, the metalwork would improve with cleaning. the interior probably re-japanned and with scratches. Inside lid bronze mounts are loose and need re-attachment in order to hold inner-lid. Small marks to the bottom decoration. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."