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

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the cover well carved in varying layers of relief through the rich red lacquer with boys engaged in various playful pursuits in a lake-side garden scene, some playing instruments as others watch, some fishing, others sitting in a pavilion, amid lush vegetation including paulownia, pine, and banana, with mountain peaks gently stretching into the distance and drifting clouds above, the box decorated with a similar scene of boys at play, the interior and base lacquered black   

Acquired at auction in France.

The present lacquer box is remarkable for the intricate and carefully layered design of boys at play in a garden setting. This subject matter was highly favoured for the material, as the skill and technique of the carver can be displayed to its best effect. The fine diaper-ground patterns not only serve as decorative elements but help in separating the different areas of the setting. It is also rare to find lacquer boxes carved with the design going over the edges of the cover to the sides in as complex a composition as that found on this piece. Lacquer wares carved with children at play were typical of the Qianlong period and can be found on various shapes in lacquer, from boxes to cabinets, brushpots and dishes. 

A related circular box showing children captured in various activities, but with shaped panels of flowers divided by Buddhist symbols around the sides, is illustrated in Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 291. See also a box of similar form and decoration sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 5/6th November 1997, lot 911.