A SMALL CINNABAR LACQUER SEAL PASTE BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGLE

of compressed globular form delicately carved to reveal the layer of ochre-yellow lacquer beneath the cinnabar-red, the cover with a camellia blossom encircled by scrolling stems and smaller blooms and opening buds, the shallow sides of the box similarly decorated, the interior and base lacquered black, incised on the base with the six-character mark

There are chips and losses around the rim of the box, some areas which have been stabilised. To the cover, the rim has been repainted to consolidate chips and flakes. There are expected age cracks to the piece.
"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."

Cinnabar lacquer seal paste boxes elegantly carved with similar floral designs were made from the 15th century, and became characteristic from the 16th century onwards.  Compare three unmarked examples held in museum collections, one included in the Chinese University of Hong Kong exhibition, 2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no. 50, one in the Tokugawa Art Museum, included in Imported Lacquerwork - Chinese, Korean and Ryukyuan (Okinawa), Toyko, 1997, cat. no. 59, and one in the National Palace Museum, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Lacquer Ware, Taipei, 1971, cat. no. 18.