明嘉靖 / 萬曆 黑漆嵌螺鈿「盆花圖」條案

the long mitered rectangular top supported on paired recessed legs of circular section secured by parallel cross-braces, raised on a straight apron with rounded spandrels joined to the legs above an arched tubular stretcher, elaborately inlaid overall in sections of mother-of-pearl on the black lacquer ground, the top with three large flower baskets of camellia, peony and magnolia, within a broad frame of barbed panels enclosing flowers and birds, alternating with dragon roundels reserved on a cash-diaper ground, the sides with detached foliate sprays above a variety of animals along the apron, including deers on the longer sides and rabbits on the shorter ends, the stretchers picked out with florettes and the legs with auspicious emblems

清未名臣李鴻章（1823-1901）送贈日本明治政府發言人井上馨侯爵（1836-1915）之物

The table has been carefully preserved in a fitted wooden chest, which has ensured that the lacquer and inlays are in good condition for a piece of such age and fragility. The legs appear to have been cut down, probably on first arriving to Japan in keeping with the table's use in a Japanese setting. There are minor losses to the inlays, and areas where the inlays appear to have been refilled. There is evidence of old restoration and cracks at the points where the aprons and spandrels meet the legs, suggesting that these may have been stabilised. As visible in the catalogue illustration, there are typical age cracks throughout the surface. There are particularly prominent cracks at the point where the table top meets the tops of the legs, but the table top does not appear to have been broken off.
"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."

一件形制類同之條案，定為康熙年製，刊錄於《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集．明清家具（上）》，香港，2002年，圖版143，可資對比，同書還載一翹頭案，年代較早，案面略窄，見圖版133。

漆嵌螺鈿，經安陽商王墓地遺址出土殘片佐證，可溯自商代，關於早期鑲嵌漆作之探討，參考 Harry Garner 爵士，《Chinese Lacquer》，倫敦，1979年，頁25-34，圖版2-4。曹昭《格古要論》，成書於洪武二十一年（1388），為最早記錄螺鈿漆作的書目之一。此為首部文物鑑賞收藏之專書，並詳載洪武時期蘇州富紳沈萬三藏螺鈿條凳、桌案、椅墩等。