The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

We have sought to record changes in the condition of this piece acquired after its initial manufacture.
One group (with ormolu mounts):
- The birds have been restored with each one missing a leg and one with a shallow chip to one side of the head
- The lion and the rock beneath his hind legs have been been over-sprayed with restoration to the left hind leg and ears
- Some expected small chips to the applied flowers and foliage
- The removable tail of the lion is missing
- Some firing cracks to the body
The other group:
- Some expected small chips with associated areas of touch-up to some of the animals appendages (ears, horns, tongues, tails, snouts etc.)
- Small losses to the qilin's horns and to the antennae of the crayfish at the reverse
- Some firing cracks to the body, which are visible on the underside