A RARE IMPERIAL CANTON ENAMEL 'BALL FLOWER' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of lobed form and octafoil section, the shallow straight sides delightfully enamelled with stylised multi-coloured 'ball flowers' scattered against a white ground, some freely floating, others overlapping in small clusters, the white base inscribed in blue enamel with a four-character reign mark within a double-square, the slightly convex cover similarly enamelled with 'flower-balls', each 'lobe' of the sides with a detached floral scroll, the interior with a medallion enclosing a scene of two butterflies fluttering over fruiting and flowering sprigs, including finger citrons, a gourd and hibicus blossoms, all picked out in shaded tones of pink, blue, purple, green and yellow

The sides of the box has a C-shaped area of approx. 0.4 by 1.5 cm which has been restored and covered with overpaint, in addition to some shallow flakes and crackles to the enamels. The box and cover is otherwise in fairly good condition. There are also some minor dents and expected tarnishing to the metal rims, as well as light wear to the gilding.
"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 charming box is notable for its painted motif of overlapping ball flowers, which appears to derive from Japanese heraldic symbols. Compare a similarly painted Qianlong mark and period box and cover of globular form, from the Love collection, sold at Christie’s New York, 20th September 2005, lot 122. Ball flowers are also painted on three vases and three teapots in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels, vol. 5, Painted Enamels in the Qing Dynasty, pls. 57-59 and 112-114.