A MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID LACQUER 'FIGURE' OCTAGONAL BOX AND COVER YUAN – MING DYNASTY |

of octagonal form with three tiers, the cover finely inlaid with a scene of three scholars riding on horseback in a courtyard of a pavilion, the sides inlaid with eight horizontal bands containing lobed cartouches on each facet enclosing scenes with scholars engaging in various leisure activities

Collection of Kuki Shuzo (1888-1941; box inscription).

The box is in overall good condition, with only expected minor flakes and losses to the inlay and lacquer, and small areas of retouching/ infills to areas including the cover, shaped panels and along the foot. Some minor age cracks in consistent with age.
"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 closely related mother-of-pearl-inlaid octagonal covered box, formerly owned by Edward T. Chow and later entered the Lee family collection, was included in the exhibition East Asian Urushi Lacquer Work with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya, 1999, cat. no. 4, sold twice at Christie's, first in London, 14th July 1980, lot 334, and again in Hong Kong, 1st December 2009, lot 1823.