A CINNABAR LACQUER CIRCULAR 'BOYS' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

of circular section, the cover delicately carved with an animated scene depicting a group of boys engaged in various pursuits in a fenced garden surrounded by pine, wutong and rocks, the side of the box and cover with further details of various boys engaged in different activities, the interior and base lacquered black

Gérard Lévy, Paris, 18th June 1977.
Collection Heliot, Paris.

This box and cover are in overall good condition, with the exception of minute loss to the carvings including to the tips of the leaves, to the hand of one figure on the sides of the cover, the ends of two kites on the box. The interior of the box has several chips to the rim (largest approx. 0.7 x 0.2cm), and two star cracks (approx. 3.5 x 2.5 cm each), and several rim cracks (longest approx. 4 cm). There are some repainting to the lacquer in various areas particularly to the rim of the cover and box. Some general wear and surface scratches.
"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."

Sumptuously carved with a lively scene of boys at play in a garden, this vessel demonstrates the virtuosity of artisans working in the Qianlong period, evident in the complex composition which has been fashioned from an array of angles and depth of carving, the naturalistic fullness of the figures and the folds of their clothes, and the variety of diaper patterns covering the ground. Compare a related box and cover, inscribed with wanzi baohe and a four-character Qianlong mark, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 10. Further boxes of similar design include one, attributed to the eighteenth century, from the Avery Brundage collection and now in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco, illustrated in Hai-Wai Yi-Chen. Chinese Art in Overseas Collections. Lacquerware, Taipei, 1987, pl. 155; another sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2007, lot 518; a slightly larger example sold at Christie’s Paris, 14th December 2011, lot 41; and a fourth box sold at Christie’s New York, 14th/15th September 2017, lot 997.