A ZITAN 'DRAGON' SUTRA BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH – 19TH CENTURY

of rectangular form with chamfered corners, the flat top boldly carved in high relief with a ferocious five-clawed dragon, its horns emerging from a flame-like mane, the fierce face detailed with round bulging eyes, flaring nostrils and long curly whiskers, with the mouth wide open revealing menacing teeth, the scaly body coiling around a flaming pearl, with muscular limbs terminating in sharp claws, powerfully leaping from tumultuous cresting waves crashing against rockwork and writhing amongst dense scrolling clouds, the four sides of the cover similarly decorated with swirling ruyi clouds, the shallow waisted box with a shaped apron carved with stylised ruyi scrolls and supported on four feet

The box and cover are in good condition.
"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."