A YUNNAN CINNABAR LACQUER 'LION' TRAY MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

of square section with canted corners, intricately carved in low relief with four Buddhist lions playfully chasing each other amongst flowing ribbons and floral scrolls, the sides decorated with scrolling lotus blooms, the underside carved with large peony blooms borne on scrolling leafy stems, the recessed base lacquered black

Formerly in a Japanese Collection.

There are expected age cracks throughout, and small losses to the carving. The edges of the mouth and foot rims have been repainted. 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."

The earliest reference to Yunnan carved lacquer is found in the second edition of the Ge Gu Yao Lun, published in 1462. 

At the present time craftsmen of Dali-fu in Yunnan are skilled in making this kind of lacquer, but many of their products are imitated by others...There are two kinds, vermilion and darker red.  Fine specimens are very expensive...

Yunnan lacquer tends to be a duller reddish-brown colour and are generally carved down to a plain buff ground.  There is a slightly more rustic feel of the carving, with rougher edges, which suggests that the carving was done when the lacquer had already set. The decoration usually fills up the whole space and there is a great sense of movement, which distinguishes them from all other Ming carved lacquers.  Compare a tray with the 'Three Friends' in the Seattle Art Museum, illustrated in Sir Harry Garner, Chinese Lacquer, London, 1979, fig. 73 and another tray with the same design sold in our rooms 10th April 2006, lot 1711.