A CARVED ZITAN SEAL PASTE BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

of short cylindrical form, the box and cover finely carved overall in cinnabar lacquer style with leafy fruiting lychee branches wrapped around the entire vessel, the mouthrim of the cover and base both carved with a beaded edge

The overall condition is very good, only a couple of minor age cracks on the edge of the cover and a few minute nicks along the inner lip of the box. The actual size of the piece is about 30% smaller than the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The carving of this box is especially fine, with the design painterly executed, suggesting that it is the work of Yangzhou carvers perhaps belonging to the school of the master carver Zhou Zhu of the 16^th century. It closely follows contemporary lacquer carvings in form and decoration which was inspired by carved cinnabar lacquer boxes of the Jiajing period (r. 1521-1567), such as the exquisite box in the Palace Musuem, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo qiqi quanji, vol. 5, Fujian, 1995, pl. 35. See also a two-tiered covered box decorated with fruiting lychee branches and attributed to the 16^th century, included ibid., pl. 79, suggesting that the design was an especially popular one during the Ming dynasty. Sixteenth century boxes were made after Yongle period prototypes; see a slightly domed circular box, also in the Palace Museum, included ibid., pl. 10.