清乾隆 剔彩瑞獅戲球紋梅花形蓋盒

the cover carved in varying relief through ochre, red and green layers with three Buddhist lions dancing in circles with a brocade ball, all reserved on a geometric diaper ground, the sides of the box with panels of prunus branches reserved on a similarly decorated ground, the interior and base lacquered black

There is restoration to the lacquer to two places to the interior below the rim in adjacent lobes, which correspond to cracks to the exterior. There are some small chips to the corners of the interior rim of the cover. There is some re-touching of the rims to the cover and the base.
"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."

本盒雕工精細，紋飾生動，刻畫瑞獅戲球雄健威猛，栩栩如生，彰顯藝匠巧手造詣。此外，錦紋地重重疊彩，精細華美，與瑞獅對比鮮明，構圖豐富，饒富趣味。 台北國立故宮博物院收藏一例，紋飾相近，盒呈方形，載於《故宮雕漆器選粹》，台北，1971年，圖版34；倫敦蘇富比曾售一帶蓋六瓣例，售於1979年6月15日，編號250；倫敦佳士得亦曾售一件剔彩瑞獅紋圓蓋盒例，售於2017年11月7日，編號115。

佛家之中，瑞獅戲球紋飾寓意吉祥，緞帶綿長寓意長壽，雄獅威猛，寄意後代官運亨通，成就卓著之意。兩者合一，則寄富貴福祿與長壽祝願。