A rare cinnabar lacquer square tray Ming Dynasty, late 15th century

the shallow square tray with an everted rim deeply carved in the centre with a quatrefoil border enclosing a garden scene with a lone pavilion nestled between rocks and dwarfed by lofty pines and clouds, all reserved on three types of diaper grounds defining the ground, sea and sky, further enclosed within a square border with peonies, chrysanthemums and camellias in the corners, further enclosed by prunus branches and bamboo along the cavetto, the reverse carved with four pairs of confronting qilong grasping a 'flaming pearl'

The overall condition appears to be very good with only minor age cracks on the interior and and a small chip to one of the exterior corners. The underside appears to be original with an old stable cracks.
"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."

This tray is striking in that while the compostion is very dense, it is balanced by deeply carved negative space that helps to make the tray seem less crowded.  Compare the mate to this tray in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo Qiqi Quanji, vol. 5, 1998, no. 66.  See another similar square tray with figures in a landscape in the Beijing Palace collection illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. 45, 2006, pl. 83.