A FINELY CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the cover skillfully and intricately carved in varying layers of relief through the rich red lacquer with lohans and their attendants engaged in various leisurely pursuits in a lakeside landscape scene, amid pine and paulownia trees and jagged rocky ledges, with drifting clouds above from which a dragon emerges, the underside carved with a similar landscape scene depicting scholars playing chess, all reserved on three types of diaper ground defining the ground, sea and sky, the sides carved with lively scenes depicting scholars and boys engaged in various pursuits, including Liuhai seated aside his toad, the interior and base lacquered black, all lacquered over a lead core

There are expected age cracks throughout. The edges of the box and cover have been repainted to consolidate age cracks. There are small chips to the keyfret bands which have been lightly stabilised. Otherwise the piece is 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."

These types of finely carved lacquer boxes carved on both sides can be found in collections like the Palace Museum in Beijing.  See an example carved with the 'One Hundred Boys' and inscribed on the interior with a Qianlong mark and the name of the box - 'One Hundred Boys Box,' illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. The carving style is similar to other imperial boxes that name the motif depicted.  Compare a box with Wang Xizhi feeding a geese, entitled 'Old Sage,' illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Lacquer Ware of the Qing Dynasty, vol.46, Hong Kong, 2006, no. 7.