A LARGE AND FINE PAIR OF IMPERIAL CINNABAR LACQUER 'DRAGON' FRAMES QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of rectangular form, profusely and deeply carved around the front face with pairs of large scaly five-clawed dragons in mutual pursuit of a flaming pearl, the sides with a geometric strapwork band, the back lacquered black, glass plates later

As illustrated: Both frames and in particular the carving are in good overall condition with the exception of: (Left frame) a 1cm., wide shallow chip to the top front edge of the lacquer; a 2.5cm., wide deep scratch to the top right edge of the lacquer; overpainting to the beading running around the inside of the frame next to the mirror plate; overpainting to the back edge of the red lacquer frame; an 8cm., wide narrow band of loss to the bottom right front edge of the frame; a 2 x 1cm., chip to the right back edge of the red lacquer; nibbles to the edges; chipping and scratches to the black lacquer back of the frame; and the back has been replaced; (Right frame) overpainting to the beading running around the inside of the frame next to the mirror plate; overpainting to the back edge of the red lacquer frame; overpainting to a 2cm., narrow band at the top front edge of the frame; chips and flaking to the balck lacquer at the back of the frame; a 2.5 x 1cm., chip to the bottom right corner; very minor nibbles and dents; and the back has been replaced. Both mirror plates are replaced.
"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 present pair of cinnabar-lacquer frames is remarkable for its fine relief carving of magnificent five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls amongst clouds. The dragon is symbolic of the emperor and is depicted with a ferocious expression, bulbous eyes and scaly body. The intricacy of the carving is especially noteworthy with the dragons rendered to appear both animated and naturalistic.

For carvings of five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls see two screens from the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors, The Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2006, cat. nos. 17 and 229. Compare also a lacquer screen carved with large scaly dragons sold at Christie's New York, 20^th September 2005, lot 104.

Lacquer frames were typically made for lacquer panels; for example see a large panel in the Palace Museum, carved with a scene from the Lanting xu (Orchid Pavilion) illustrated in Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II),Beijing, 2002, pl. 181. See another lacquer panel depicting the victorious army of General Agui advancing through the mountains of Sichuan, its frame similarly carved with five-clawed dragons amongst clouds chasing pearls, as seen on this pair, sold at Christie's London, 12^th November 2002, lot 41.

The five-clawed dragon can be found on various imperial pieces, especially textiles. The inspiration for the decoration may have come from Imperial Court robes (jifu), which formed part of the wardrobe of the Qing Imperial family and was worn by the Qianlong emperor on his birthday celebrations, such as the robe sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 10^th April 2006. Wood panels were also decorated with this motif; for example see the zitan Imperial panels sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8^th April 2007, lots 871 and 872.