A RARE PAIR OF CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER TWO-TIERED BOXES, COVERS AND STANDS MING DYNASTY, 16TH – 17TH CENTURY |

each carved on the cover with a scholar crossing a bridge with an attendant behind him, resting on two boxes of corresponding form and decorated on each lobed side with a cartouche enclosing floral sprays against a diapered ground, the cartouches further separated by a varying diapered design, all supported on two bases, the first rendered with a key-fret band and the other with rounded edges and detailed with ruyi feet, the interior and base lacquered black

Both boxes and covers are in good condition with just minor retouching to the inner rims where the tiers meet each other.
"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."

It is rare to find a pair of hexagonal tiered lacquer boxes of this high quality, preserved in such good condition. Related tiered boxes include one of hexagonal form, from the Krolik and the Edward T. Chow collections, sold in our London rooms, 24th February 1970, lot 80, and again at Christie’s London, 14th December 1983, lot 25. See also a square-section example with canted corners, from the collection of Viscount Naonori Matsudaira (1869-1931), sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 121, and again in our New York rooms, 13th September 2017, lot 47. Compare also a square box carved with a scene of scholars in boats, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in 200 Objects You Should Know: Carved Lacquer Ware, Beijing, 2008, pl. 56.