A BLUE AND WHITE BOX AND COVER WITH FIGURES MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

the domed cover painted with an official seated on a throne surrounded by his attendants while receiving two other officials, the sides of the cover and box each painted with four quatrefoil panels enclosing birds, butterflies and peaches, bound on the rim with 'cash' circles on a floral diaper ground, the base inscribed in underglaze-blue with a six-character mark

Formerly in a Japanese Collection.

There is a starcrack to the cover, the longest point extending approx 9.9cm. There are small areas of glaze gaps at the rims of box and cover. There are a couple short firing lines to the base. There is one small nick to the foot of approx 0.5 by 0.2cm.
"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."

A Wanli box with the same scene is illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, cat.no. 731.  See also a similar round Wanli box with the 'Hundred Boys' sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2007, lot 760.