A RARE IMPERIAL CINNABAR LACQUER 'LOTUS' AND LANÇA CHARACTERS STEMBOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

the exterior finely and deeply carved through with eight lança characters above radiating lotus lappets encircling the base of the bowl, the splayed stem carved with beaded tassels suspended from pendent ruyi-heads, all reserved on a dense diapered ground, the interior of the foot incised and painted in gilt with a six-character Qianlong seal mark, fitted with a detachable silver vessel of corresponding shape to the well of the stembowl mounted with a bow-shaped arch across the diameter, the silver hall-marked with an eagle symbol of Bruckmann & Söhne, an 800 standard German silver, and retailer's location Freiburg im Breisgau 

A German private collection, Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, circa 1900.

There are minor chips to the several areas of the carved design. There is some flaking to the edges especially the foot, and insignificant age cracks and other surface wear.
"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."

A stembowl of this type from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing is published in Carved Lacquerware in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 338; one in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is included in Hai-wai yi-chen. Lacquerware, Taipei, 1987, pl. 153; another in the Shandong Tai’an City Museum, Tai’an, is illustrated in Zhongguo qiqi quanji[Lacquer Treasures from China], vol. 6, Fujian, 1993, pl. 212; and a fourth in the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, is included in the exhibition Im Zeichen des Drachen, Museum für Lackkunst, Münster, 2006, cat. no. 86. See also two stembowls sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lots 2756 and 2757; and a pair offered in our London rooms, 5th November 2008, lot 53.