清十七世紀 剔紅花鳥紋捧盒

of globular form resting on a short straight foot, carved overall through layers of rich cinnabar lacquer, the domed cover with two songbirds perched on sprays of chrysanthemum and lotus issuing from jagged rocks, within a barbed panel surrounded on the sides by further lotus and chrysanthemum wreathed in dense foliage, all above a border of key-fret at the rim, the box similarly decorated with alternating chrysanthemum and lotus between key-fret around the rim and the base, the foot picked out with an angular scroll, the interior and the base lacquered in dark brown

The cover has been restored in several areas, including sections of the upper design of flower and birds and on the key-fret border encircling the rim. One side of the cover is tarnished to a darker tone with further restoration on the key-fret border, possibly due to an exposure to flames. There are few flakes to the inner rim of the box and retouching to the rim, both on the exterior and re-lacquering to the brown lacquer on the interior. There is some crackling to the interior lacquer of the cover and wear on the base.
"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."