A large rectangular cinnabar lacquer box and cover Ming dynasty, 15th century

the cover well carved through the rich red lacquer with a lively scene depicting courtiers engaged in various leisurely pursuits in a lakeside garden scene, some sitting at their desks in a pavilion reading and writing, some observing as one scholar commences a fan painting while another two scholars unfurl a scroll, some listening as one plays the qin in a further pavilion, some playing weiqi, others taking a leisurely stroll on the footbridges accompanied by attendants, all beside gentle rippling waters in which fish swim and amid lush vegetation including willow, paulownia, pine and banana, with mountain peaks gently stretching in the distance and drifting clouds above, the sides of the box and cover decorated with pairs of songbirds perched upon leafy branches of blooming chrysanthemum, lotus, peony, cherry and prunus, all resting on four scroll feet each finely incised with lotus sprays, the interior and base lacquered black   

There are expected age cracks throughout. There are some small losses to the carvings, but does not detract from the overall appearance of the piece. The edges of box and cover, as well as the feet, have been repainted.
"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."

Ming period lacquer decoration was often taken from literature or paintings, for example the scene depicted on the present box is reminiscent of Qiu Yin's (1494-1552) painting 'Spring Morning in the Han Palace' with courtiers engaged in leisurely activities. See a large cinnabar lacquer box and cover of rectangular shape carved with a scene of scholars gathered together to enjoy leisurely activities such as drinking and composing poetry, from the Derek Clifford collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 7th July 2003, lot 730. This scene can be found mentioned in the famous work Lanting xu (Preface Written at the Orchid Pavilion) by Wang Xizhi (307-365).

Compare also a lacquer box of this shape carved in a very similar bold manner as the present box, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Derek Clifford, Chinese Carved Lacquer, London, 1992, p. 90, pl. 64, where it is mentioned that 'the representation of elaborate mythical or historic buildings became fashionable towards the end of the fifteenth century. Some examples are rather crowded and are carved in what is almost a miniature style; others such as this example are magnificently carved in the bold manner.'