A FINE CARVED POLYCHROME LACQUER 'LOTUS' BOX AND COVER INCISED MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

deeply and naturalistically carved to the top through the olive, dark green and red layers to the black ground with a lotus seed pod and large curling lotus leaves, the shaped straight sides of the cover and box carved with a floret-diaper band within red borders, the interior and base lacquered black, the base incised with the four-character mark 

In addition to some expected flakes, age cracks and associated losses, there are some re-lacquered areas to both the box and cover, especially to the red borders on the exterior, the yellow border around the base and the black-lacquered interior. That includes a 0.8 x 5.5 cm restored and retouched flake to the lip of the box (about 7 to 8 o'clock). The interior and the base have probably been polished. The original carvings on the cover and the sides have been well preserved.
"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."

This box is unique for its lotus form; compare lacquer boxes of this type but carved in various organic forms; such as one in the shape of two peaches, sold in our London rooms, 7^th March 1978, lot 133; and another of a gourd form carved with fruiting gourd and lychee sprays, sold in our London rooms, 12^th March 1982, lot 170.

A cinnabar lacquer dish carved in the form of a lotus leaf, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, decorated with a central medallion enclosing a rabbit against a wave ground, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 17; and another carved with immortals, was sold in our New York rooms, 24^th March 1998, lot 402.