A carved ivory work box, China, Canton, 19th century, 32x23 cm (damages, lacks and restorations) 

A carved ivory work box, China, Canton, 19th century, 32x23 cm (damages, lacks and restorations) 

Presence of some splits and a few chips 
One metal chain to the inside is missing 
It would appear that the original natural glue was reinforced entirely throughout the whole chest with a more modern glue that has a yellow hue. Therefore yellow traces are visible along nearly all the vertical and horizontal joints of each engraved panel
Certain panels, notably the top one, have a filler substance around the edge to mask the natural shrinkage of the ivory 
There is an important horizontal split on the top central panel 
Small repair to the front top frieze
The drawer front has detached from the right rail therefore we have not fully opened the drawer
The tray separated into compartments contains some fragments and pieces that are no longer intact with the original layout
Small repair to the baguettes above the top escutcheon 
Two wooden supports have been added under the base