琉球王國十七 / 十八世紀 朱漆戧金「攜琴訪友」圖八方蓋盒

of octagonal form with straight sides supported on a recessed splayed foot, finely incised and gilt overall in the chinkin technique on a shu-urushi ground, the raised cover with an equestrian followed by an attendant carrying a qin, about to cross a small bridge heading towards a group of scholars staying outside a house, all within a lattice ground border and surrounded by alternating qilin and lions enclosed within lobed panels around the sides, the exterior walls decorated with lobed panels of leafy peonies reserved on a lattice ground, all above a band of overlapping hollyhock leaves encircling the foot, the interior and base lacquered in dark brown

The lacquer is worn and crackled with old restorations, predominantly around the upper edge of the top, more generally along the edges and on the rims. There may have been originally a third central tier to the box which is now missing.
"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."