Exceptionnelle paire de boites en porcelaine de la famille rose Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

de forme octogonale sur un pied en ressaut, le couvercle à décor des cent daims dans un paysage rocheux, entouré d'une frise archaïsante de phénix or et rouge de fer, le pourtour avec des rinceaux de lotus et d'acanthes autour du pied, l'intérieur avec lotus et papillons, une fleur de lotus indien et deux papillons sous le couvercle, prise en bronze en forme de pomme de pin plus tardive

Probablement collection Harmand d'Abancourt au chateau d'Abancourt (Meuse)
Collection Charles de Dompierre d'Hornoy (1861-1944) et dans la famille depuis

There is some wear to the gilding around the cover and fritting at the angles, the boxes are otherwise in good condition. Both covers are fitted with later bronze knobs.
"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."

It is rare to find boxes of this form and decoration that represent the harmonious blend of East and West. Vessels of this type were made for the European market, however, the decoration of deer amongst rocks, seen on the cover, is inspired by the Chinese 'Hundred Deer' design. No similar example appears to be recorded although octagonal famille-rose boxes have been sold at auction; for example see a pair of boxes with matching covers, attributed to the Yongzheng period, sold in our New York rooms, 18^th September 1996, lot 243; and another octagonal form box, the lid painted with a large panel depicting three Chinese ladies in a garden enjoying leisurely pursuits, attributed to Qianlong's reign, sold in our London rooms, 18^th November 1980, lot 151.

The 'Hundred Deer' design is one of the most favoured andauspicious motifs on porcelain and can be found on vases of the Qing dynasty. For example see a Qianlong mark and period vase, from the Qing court collection, now in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Porcelains with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 85; and a pair and a single vase in the Shanghai Museum, published in Selected Ceramics from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Hu, Shanghai, 1989, pl. 67.

The painting of deer is remarkable for its fine execution, with the animals depicted  naturalistic and lively. The technique employed is clearly influenced by the western painting style of shading where white enamel is used to make the animal appear realistic. The design of 'Hundred Deer' represents the wish for receiving 'the hundred emoluments from Heaven (shoutian bailu) as the Chinese word for 'hundred deer' is homophonous with 'hundred emoluments'. Deer also traditionally represented officials (guan) and was the symbol of official promotion and pay.

The 'butterflies flying among flowers' motif, seen on the interior of the boxes, was another motif much favoured during the Qing dynasty. It symbolizes joy, love and good fortune, as blooming flowers are auspicious for bringing prosperity and butterflies represent joy and blessings. The very fine and delicate brushwork of the butterflies is reminiscent of those seen on Yongzheng 'butterfly' bowls enamelled in a similar soft palette, such as the present piece illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Porcelains with Cloisonne Enamel Decoration and Famille Rose Decoration, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 68.