AN EMBELLISHED ZITAN 'SQUIRREL AND GRAPEVINE' CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

the top of the cover adorned with four squirrels crouching in opposite directions and surrounded by a scrolling grape vine bearing clusters of fruit and leaves, the vine inlaid in silver wire, the animals, fruits, and leaves variously set with mother-of-pearl, shell, or colored stones, the lions' fur carefully incised and their eyes inset with colored stone pupils, the sides of the cover with further grape vines above a silver-inlaid keyfret rim, the sides of the box with inlaid floral scroll beneath a silver-inlaid keyfret rim, wood stand (3)

Christie’s Hong Kong, 30th April 2000, Lot 563.

The cover: a restored area along the edge (approx. 1cm long) and a section of the silver inlay is missing; a few inlays might have been re-glued later; there's a crack approx. 3.5cm long underneath one of the lions; a small chip to the mouthrim. The box: a section of the silver inlay (approx. 1.2cm) has been restored; two small chips to the edge of the mouthrim.
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.