A PAIR OF LOBED CINNABAR LACQUER BOXES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of quatrelobed form, one carved to the cover with a scene of three men seated and drinking at a table, surrounded by peony sprays among rocks, pine trees and set within a vast terrace, the other cover with two figures playing weiqi while an attendant prepares tea, all reserved against floret and diamond grounds, the sides of the covers and boxes with cartouches of floral sprays, all atop keyfret border feet, the interiors lacquered black

The boxes are in good condition overall, with only minor expected nicks to the rim and foot. To one of the boxes (scholars playing weiqi), there is an old chip to the foot, of approx 0.2 by 0.2cm. The interiors have been relacquered, and some red has been repainted to consolidate rim chips and expected age cracks. To the interiors of the boxes, there is a handwritten note in wax which reads: Chinese 1700-1800AD.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Cinnabar lacquer boxes of this quatrelobed form are rare.  Compare a quatrelobed cinnabar lacquer basin carved with figure scenes in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Chinese Lacquer in the Palace Museum Collection, Taipei, 1975, pl.61.  See a related lacquer box of circular form, decorated with figures on the cover and with four fruiting sprays on the sides, in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, illustrated in Chinese Art in Overseas Collections, Lacquerware, Taipei, 1987, pl.156.