A CINNABAR LACQUER SEAL PASTE BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, 16TH / EARLY 17TH CENTURY

of circular section, the domed cover carved with a figure of Milefo (Maitreya) beneath a pine tree waving a fan and holding up a peach just out of reach of two boys, all against a swastika and square flower diaper, the box with peach blossom sprays set against a matching diaper ground, the interior and base lacquered black, Japanese silk pouch, wood box and cover

Compare a similar cinnabar lacquer seal paste box previously in the collection of Edward T. Chow which sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 25th April, 2004, lot 16. Another box, similarly decorated with the figure of Milefo surrounded by playing children is in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Zhongguo qiqi quanji, vol. 5, Fuzhou, 1995, pl. 161.