A CHINESE POLYCHROME LACQUER SWEETMEAT BOX AND COVER, QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY

A CHINESE POLYCHROME LACQUER SWEETMEAT BOX AND COVER

QING DYNASTY, LATE 18TH CENTURY

of square form with ruyi-shaped corners supported on four canted feet, the exterior lacquered red with painted polychrome and gilt decoration, the cover centered with a raised panel of conforming shape with a central rosette framed by four ruyi heads, the panel surrounded by scrolling melon vines interspersed with butterflies and scrolling lotus filling each of the ruyi-form corners, the sides of the cover with stylized lotus sprays alternating with rosettes within square-scroll frames, the sides of the box with continuous keyfret, the interior lacquered black and fitted with nine shaped trays each gilt-painted with lotus sprays, the base lacquered black (11)

Width: 13⅝ in. (34.6 cm.)