A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER FOUR-TIERED BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of hexalobed form with four tiers, the cover finely carved through the red lacquer revealing the black and brown layers with the associated beribboned attributes of the Eight Immortals including the vase to the centre filled with peony and chyrsanthemum blooms, and surrounded by the fan, double-gourd, fish drum, lotus sieve, sword, flute and the pair of beaters, all against a wan diaper ground, the sides carved with plump melon sprays between a pair of confronting butterflies and divided by bat and beribboned wan symbols, the interior and base lacquered black, together with a fitted stand of conforming section

There are small losses to the carving on the cover, one loss to a chrysanthemum petal approx 0.2 by 0.2cm, another to a tip of a ribbon approx 0.2 by 0.2cm, and a few tiny losses to the tips of the ribbons. The rims of the tiers and the interior have been repainted. There are minor expected age cracks. To the wood stand, there is an age crack across the base due to shrinkage over time. Otherwise the piece is generally in good condition overall.
"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."

It is rare to find tiered polychrome lacquer boxes of the Qianlong period and the present box is also remarkable for its form and well preserved condition. Compare a three-tiered lobed lacquer box carved with Shoulao, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the museum's Special  Exhibition of Palace Lacquer Objects, Taipei, 1981, cat.no. 71; and a tri-colour three-tiered lacquer box of square form, also of the Qianlong period, sold in our New York rooms, 19th September 2001, lot 42.