AN UNUSUAL WHITE GLASS LOBED BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of circular shape, the shallow vertical sides of the cover formed by five bracket lobes, rising to the flat top formed by five gently lobed petal panels radiating from a central bud, the shape of the base reflecting the shape of the cover, the glass of a milky-white tone, the four-character mark incised within a double-square on the base

To the base: There are shallow nibbles to the mouthrim of the interior, the largest covering an area of approx 0.5 by 0.1cm. To the exterior, there are a few small shallow nicks near the rim, the largest of approx 0.3 by 0.3cm. To the cover: Minor nibbling to the interior of the rim, the largest approx 0.2 by 0.1cm. Otherwise the box and cover are generally in good condition overall.
"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."

Qianlong glass boxes are rare and no other example of this elegant mallow-form in glass appears to be recorded, although a very similar covered box made of bamboo was sold at Christie's New York, 21st September 2004, lot 46. 

More typical are small seal paste boxes made of glass which are all of circular form; for example see a Qianlong yellow glass paste box and cover illustrated in Elegance and Radiance, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 344, pl. 134, where it is described as the 'perfect example of a covered box in glass medium that is faithfully after the ceramic covered box for seal vermillion with peach bloom glaze of the Kangxi reign'. Another such clear glass seal paste box and cover decorated with blue and gold enamel, also with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, from the Shuisongshi Shangfang collection, is included in Emily Byrne Curtis, Pure Brightness Shines Everywhere, Aldershot, 2004, pl. 9.6

The present box may be compared to a yellow glass box and cover, from the Stephen Winkworth collection and included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-6, cat.no. 2756, of compressed fluted form with a central flowerhead. The Winkworth box also has a carved Qianlong reign mark on its base.