A RARE CINNABAR LACQUER 'DRAGON' CABINET QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the rectangular double-door cabinet set with a pair of low square-section single drawers on top, the doors and back side carved with a two panels each enclosing a confronting writhing five-clawed descending dragon lunging towards a 'flaming pearl' reserved on a dense ground of turbulent waves, and framed by a diaper-ground band, the doors set with a pair of small gilt-bronze latch pulls, the narrow sides similarly lacquered with a single ascending dragon on each side, framed along the edges with a keyfret border, the interior lacquered in black and fitted with a wall dividing the left and right side and a narrow diaper ground drawer on each side below a fixed shelf, the top two drawers each further carved with a single dragon with diaper ground on the drawer front and sides, set between an upright gilt-bronze handle, all supported on four L-shaped padded feet

The overall condition is quite good with expected chips to the corners, at the hinges and below the handle with minor retouching to some of the chips. Some of the tips of the waves have very minute chips.
"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."

Magnificently composed of six panels each containing a dragon in pursuit of a flaming pearl, the dynamism created by the high-relief carving and remarkable detail of the present piece embodies the zenith of lacquer carving achieved during the Qianlong period. Rendered with ferocious expressions, gaping jaws that reveal sharp fangs, bulbous eyes and flaring nostrils, the intricately rendered scaly bodies thrash through the waves to create brilliant scenes of intense strength and energy. Moreover, the combed lines of the turbulent waves provide a striking setting for the dragons.

The five-clawed dragon is symbolic of the emperor and the pairing of dragons with a flaming pearl appears to combine elements from two separate traditions; the dragon from Chinese mythology and the jewel from Buddhist iconography. The talismanic wish-granting jewel represents transcendent wisdom, and when depicted with the dragon this motif was highly suited to imperial works of art, as the emperor's status was said to be heaven-endowed.

Cabinets, boxes and screens carved with similar designs in this meticulous style were possibly made in the Lacquer Workshops of the Zaobanchu (Imperial Palace Workshop) located in the Forbidden City. The subject and style of carving are very similar to that of a square box in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the exhibition Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors. Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2008, cat. no. 133.

A cabinet of this size and shape, but carved with panels of Precious Objects and vases of flowers within dense lotus scroll frames, was sold in these rooms, 20^th May 1987, lot 595; and another, decorated with panels of archaistic dragons forming geometric patterns, was sold at Christie's London, 14^th July 1980, lot 323. A cabinet of this form, but with one long horizontal top compartment, carved with panels of figures in landscapes, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in The 200 Objects You Should Know. Carved Lacquer Ware, Beijing, 2008, pl. 188. Compare also a portable chest similarly carved with dragons pursuing a flaming pearl among waves, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, published in Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 35.