A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, YONGLE PERIOD

of circular form, the domed cover finely carved through the thick red lacquer with a large peony blossom beneath pomegranate and camellia blooms amidst dense foliage, the box decorated with a floral and foliate band comprising corresponding flowers, the interior and recessed base lacquered black

2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no. 44.
Layered Beauty: The Baoyizhai Collection of Chinese Lacquer, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2010, cat. no. 40.

There are several age cracks to the rim around the cover with associated tiny losses of cinnabar lacquer. The age cracks have been stabilized with black re lacquering on the interior rim. There is further expected re lacquering to the box interior rim as well as to the foot rim and the base.
"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."

There was originally an needle-incised vertical six-character 'Da Ming Yong Le Nian Zhi' mark on the left side of the base, but it has been effaced and covered with black lacquer.