A CINNABAR LACQUER SQUARE 'FU' TRAY MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

the interior deeply carved with a central medallion containing the character fu ('fortune'), the strokes of the character carved in relief with a star-diaper ground, interspersed with auspicious emblems like a double gourd, a beribboned coin and an ingot, framed by chrysanthemums on a leafy scroll, the slanted cavetto further carved with chrysanthemums and repeated on the exterior, all reserved against an ochre ground, the recessed base lacquered in a deep burgundy red

There are expected stabilised cracks to the corners and sides with some light restoration to areas of loss. The back has been relacquered.
"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."

Square trays of this type were a standard product of the Ming dynasty and continued to be made in the Qing period. Decorated with the auspicious fu character, these trays were made to hold food or sweets at celebratory banquets. See a related square tray with a large fu character in the centre, bearing a Jiajing reign mark and of the period, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Two-hundred Objects You should Know: Carved Lacquer Ware, Beijing, 2008, pl. 86; and a red lacquer tray carved with another auspicious character shou  surrounded by cranes and clouds within a related leafy scroll border, included in the exhibition Karamono. Imported Lacquerwork – Chinese, Korean and Ryukyuan (Okinawa), Tokugawa Art Museum, Tokyo, 1997, cat. no. 11.

For a Qing period example of wares decorated with a large character of auspicious connotation, see a lobed dish carved with fu in the centre and surrounded by dragons and phoenixes, published in Carved Lacquer in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 285.