AN IMPERIAL KESI 'LONGEVITY' SCROLL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

skilfully woven with two characters reading hongshou ('great longevity') and interspersed with various budding and flowering floral and lingzhi sprays, as well as further auspicious emblems, such as soaring bats, all below a four-character seal mark at the top reading Qianlong yubi ('imperially inscribed by the Qianlong Emperor'), mounted as a scroll

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are several horizontal crease lines, from where the kesi was rolled and unrolled. The most severe have slightly pulled, leaving slightly distressed areas. Slight fading to the red, and minor watermarks throughout. These minor issues do not detract from the beauty of the scroll, which is overall preserved well.
"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."