A large blue and white seal-paste box and cover Mark and Period of Kangxi

of circular form, the top of the rounded cover finely painted in bright washes of cobalt blue with stylised prunus flowerheads borne on a dense foliate scroll alternating with butterflies centred with a single butterfly, all within double-line circles, the decoration repeated on the sides of both cover and box, the interior glazed white, the underside inscribed with the six-character reign mark

The overall condition is very good with only some faint discolouration to the white glaze on the interior, possibly from use, that might be able to be cleaned.
"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."

Also known as the yinse he ('seal colour box'), or 'vermillon box', the present piece was made for the scholar's table.  See a related seal paste box and cover decorated with scrolling lotus blooms, sold at Christie's New York, 21st September 2004, lot 275.  Compare also a Kangxi box and cover of smaller size with an apocryphal Jiajing mark, illustrated in John Ayers, The Bauer Collection, Chinese Ceramics, vol. IV, Geneva, 1972, no. A518.