A LARGE POLYCHROME LACQUER BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

of multilobed form, the lid painted and incised to the centre with a menacing five-clawed dragon defending a flaming pearl, surrounded by four other dragons amongst stylised clouds, each lobe of the cover housing a dragon, the interior and base lacquered black 

Chinesische Lackkunst. Eine deutsche Privatsammlung, Museum für Lackkunst, Münster, 2010, cat. no. 54.
Lack – Meisterwerke chinesischer Handwerkskunst des 12. bis 18. Jhdts., Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt, 2011.
In Lack getränkt. Eine deutsche Privatsammlung chinesischer Lackkunst, Museum für Asiatische Kunst, 2012 - 2013. 

There are overall losses to the lacquer on the rim of the box, the largest ca. 4x0.5cm. There are losses to the lacquer of the band with bats and clouds just below the rim of the box, the largest ca. 6cm wide, as well as losses to the rim of the box. The inside of the box with signs of wear and age cracks to the black lacquer. The cover with a break to the side where on the inside the lacquer and underlying wood have split and the lacquer been reattached (ca. 5x2cm wide area on the inside) with associated hairline cracks to the black lacquer on the inside, on the exterior the break has been stabilized with wax. There are cracks to the lacquer on the inverted parts of the sides of the cover, some of which have been stabilized. There are also cracks to the lacquer along the rounded parts of the cover. There are losses to the lacquer along the rim of the cover. There is light overall wear to the red lacquer on the cover. There is some overall wear to the black lacquer on the interior of the cover.
"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."