A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER 'NINE DRAGON' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

the top of the domed cover finely carved with an en face five-clawed dragon encircling a flaming pearl reserved on a dense ground of swirling waves and flames, surrounded around the sides with four dragons in profile all in pursuit of a flaming pearl against a continuous wave ground, the exterior of the box similarly decorated with four further dragons, all supported on a key-fret bordered foot, the interior of the cover carved with the four characters Jiulong baohe ('A treasured box of nine dragons'), the interior of the box with a six-character reign mark, all picked out in gilt against a black lacquered ground

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8th April 2011, lot 3151.

In overall good condition, apart from old chips to the rims, inner lip and a few small chips to the carving and a 4 cm T-shaped crack on the interior of the cover.
"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."

Intricately carved with a complex design of nine dynamic dragons striding in pursuit of 'flaming pearls', the present piece reveals the opulent taste of the Qianlong Emperor and the zenith of lacquer carving achieved during his reign. Rendered with ferocious expressions, gaping jaws that reveal sharp fangs, bulbous eyes and flaring nostrils, the muscular dragons thrash through the clouds to create a brilliant scene of intense strength and energy. Moreover, the deep carving and use of three contrasting colours accentuate the sense of movement and three-dimensionality. Boxes of this type were possibly made in the Lacquer Workshops of the Zaobanchu (Imperial Palace Workshop) located in the Forbidden City. They are often inscribed with a Qianlong reign mark at the base and under the cover with a descriptive mark, as seen on this piece. 

The same subject and style of carving can be found on several pieces preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, such as the 'nine dragons' box illustrated in Zhongguo bowuyuan can diaoqi / Carved Lacquer in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 311. A similar 'nine dragons' box inscribed with the same reign mark and 'name', and another box of comparable decoration, but much smaller in size and only inscribed with a reign mark, are preserved in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, and were included in the museum's exhibition Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors, Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2008, cat. nos 133 and 135. See also a tri-colour 'nine dragons' box of similar proportions, but decorated with additional key-fret and lappet borders, sold in our London rooms, 8th November 2017, lot 49.