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A THREE-COLOUR CINNABAR LACQUER 'BUDDHIST LION' LOBED BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Lacquer
- 15.5 cm, 6 1/8 in.
the cover carved in varying relief through ochre, red and green layers with three Buddhist lions dancing in circles with a brocade ball, all reserved on a geometric diaper ground, the sides of the box with panels of prunus branches reserved on a similarly decorated ground, the interior and base lacquered black
Condition
There is restoration to the lacquer to two places to the interior below the rim in adjacent lobes, which correspond to cracks to the exterior. There are some small chips to the corners of the interior rim of the cover. There is some re-touching of the rims to the cover 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Notable for its meticulous carving and dynamic design, the craftsman’s proficiency with the medium is evident in the skilfully modelled lions, whose vitality and strength have been successfully captured. Furthermore, the intricately carved diaper ground, which reveals the layers of coloured lacquer, forms an attractive contrast with the beasts, thus enhancing the richness of the piece. Lacquer boxes decorated with a related design include one of rectangular form in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, cat. no. 34; a six-lobed box and cover sold in these rooms, 15th June 1979, lot 250; and a polychrome circular box sold at Christie’s London, 7th November 2017, lot 115.
The design of three Buddhist lions playing with brocade balls tied with long ribbons is rich in auspicious symbolism; the long ribbon symbolises longevity while the lions represent the wish for descendants to achieve success and high rank. The motif overall represents wealth, success and longevity.
The design of three Buddhist lions playing with brocade balls tied with long ribbons is rich in auspicious symbolism; the long ribbon symbolises longevity while the lions represent the wish for descendants to achieve success and high rank. The motif overall represents wealth, success and longevity.