A CARVED TWO-COLOUR LACQUER BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

finely carved in imitation of bound books fastened with clasps at the sides, the shorter sides of the box overlaid with bone to simulate the pages of the books carried within, the cover of the box intricately carved with a riverside landscape with jagged mountains and distant figures, all reserved on a green lacquer wan diaper ground, the long sides of the box and cover similarly decorated with narcissus, peony, chrysanthemum and lotus, the interior and base lacquered black

Christie’s Hong Kong, 31st October 2000, lot 1012.

The box and cover are in good condition with the exception of re-touching to the red lacquer, in particular to the edges and corners, light scratchies and rubbing to the black lacquer 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."

This exquisite piece is a fine example of cinnabar lacquer boxes carved in imitation of bound books that were greatly admired by the Qianlong emperor. This box is particularly notable for its decoration with a landscape scene as boxes of this type were more commonly adorned with designs inspired by floral brocades, such as one illustrated in Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 395; one in the Tianjin Museum, Tianjin, published in Zhongguo qiqi quanji, vol 6, Fuzhou, 1993, pl. 221; another sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27^th October 2003, lot 784; and fourth box sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 23^rdOctober 2005, lot 390, also included in this sale, lot 48.

Compare also a hardwood box of this type, but carved with figures, sold in our New York rooms, 13^th June 1979, lot 148.