AN INLAID ZITAN BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the rectangular top inlaid with mother of pearl, lapis lazuli, malachite and soapstone depicting three figures on horseback hunting geese, a falconer on horseback and one standing attendant, above a thin band of silver-inlaid scrolling foliage to the rim and repeated to the rim of the box, the interior with an inset tray, with inlaid Wu men Zhou Zhu mark to the base

Sir Anthony Hastings George, KCMG.

This box is in reasonably good condition, but has had two areas of inlaid replaced to the cover, (mother of pearl trousers of the far left hand standard bearer and part of the (malachite) rocks to the central lower section). There is a repaired split running through the whole length of the lower section of the base (3mm by 25cm) and there is evidence of repair to the lower section of the box just above the base, where it has come away from its original join.
"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."

A box decorated with a similar motif, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 230.