AN IMPERIAL EDICT DATED QIANLONG 36TH YEAR, CORRESPONDING TO 1771

mounted as a handscroll, made from five sections of different colored brocade woven with a cloud pattern, inscribed in Chinese and Manchu script, the opening section woven with two dragons flanking the characters fengtian gaoming (Imperial Mandate of Heaven), repeated in the Manchurian section, each section ended with an imperial seal reading Zhi gao zhi bao (The Seal of Edict)

The edict has been remounted. At the first panel, the fabrics and the mounting are separating and the outer brocade is frayed. Throughout, there are scattered vertical creases, areas of discoloration, partial abrasion to the ink and the seal pigments, and slight wear to the edges. The mounting by the roller is embrittled.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.