A HIGHLY UNUSUAL CARVED POLYCHROME LACQUER PEACH-FORM BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAJING

of compressed peach form resting on a recessed foot, the domed conical cover carved in low relief with a stylised shou character flanked by two hibiscus blooms, a pair of confronting phoenix soaring above, a ruyi-head set in between the birds, their plumage detailed with fine incisions, the box decorated in low relief with undulating leaves of varying sizes, the base incised with a six-character reign mark in gilt

2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no. 55.
Layered Beauty: The Baoyizhai Collection of Chinese Lacquer, Art Museum, Institute of Chinese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2010, cat. no. 51.

There is a 0.4cm chip to the outer rim of the box, and other small chips and frits to rim of the cover. There are minor losses to the red paint, especially on the leaves of the cover. The interior of the box and cover, and also the base, all appear to have been skilfully repainted to cover age cracks and losses. Overall good condition.
"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."

Jiajing reign-marked lacquer wares carved in this exotic organic form are extremely rare, and only a small number is recorded in museum and private collections. For a square tray in the Palace Museum, Beijing, carved with a similar highly stylised shou character, see The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Hong Kong, 2006,  cat. no. 113.