A PAIR OF CARVED IVORY 'QUAIL' BOXES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

each naturalistically modelled seated with its legs tucked underneath its plump body, the upper body forming the cover fitted along the scalloped edges on the box, detailed with plumage and the claws with fine stippling, all supported on a leafy millet stem around the legs

The carving is particularly delicate and fragile. There are few expected tiny chips and occasional losses, predominantly along the edges of the furled leaves on the underside of the boxes. There is one small chip to the feather to the front along the rim on one of the boxes. Overall the two boxes and covers have been extremely well preserved, considering the refinement of the carving and the fragility of the material.
"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."

Compare a pair of ivory boxes and covers similarly carved in the form of a quail, attributed to Qianlong period, from the Avery Brundage Collection and now preserved in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco, Object Number B60M497.a; an 18th century example from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carving, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 167; a pair sold in our London rooms, 10th November 2010, lot 12.; and a single ivory 'quail' box and cover sold in these rooms, 3rd April 2018, lot 3641.