清乾隆 剔紅九龍寶盒

of compressed globular form resting on a short slightly tapered foot, the top of the domed cover carved in precise detail with an en face five-clawed dragon writhing sinuously around a flaming pearl, encircled by two pairs of confronting dragons soaring furiously with gaping jaws while chasing flaming pearls, all against a background of tempestuous waves and above a lipped rim, the box similarly decorated with two further pairs of confronting dragons chasing flaming pearls against a background of turbulent waves below a lipped rim, the foot bordered with a key-fret band the interior and base lacquered black

Ben Janssens Oriental Art Ltd.，倫敦， 2008年

There has been retouching and overpainting to the flanges of the box and cover, and where the foot meets the main body. 0.5cm visible chip to the flange of the box. There are small chips and bruises to areas of the detail.
"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 notable for its dynamic and vigorous rendering of dragons striding among waves in pursuit of a flaming pearl. Two closely related boxes were sold at Christie’s London, the first, 7th December 1992, lot 98, and the second, 3rd November 2009, lot 117; another, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st June 2011, lot 3844; and a further example, with a Qianlong mark and of the period, was sold in these rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 3151. Compare also boxes of this form and similar design, but the cover carved with a side-facing dragon, such as one sold in our London rooms, 15th April 1983, lot 250; and another sold in our New York rooms, 22nd/23rd September 2004, lot 234.