A PAIR OF CIRCULAR CINNABAR LACQUER BOXES AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of the central roundels of the domed covers carved in relief with a scholar and two attendants, underneath pine or willow trees in a balustraded pavilion overlooking rocky mountains, all reserved on a fine diaper ground, bordered with a band of peonies and foliage, with a similar band to the box encircling the recessed base densely decorated with a wan-diaper ground

Christie's London, 7^th November 2006, lot 62.

(Box with tree on right) Derek Clifford, Chinese Carved Lacquer, London, 1992, pl. 116.

The overall condition of both boxes is very good. Each box has a shallow chip on the inner lip (one box has 2 additional smaller chips). One has a couple of chips long the tips of the balustrade fence. But there appears to be no restoration.
"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."

Carved lacquer boxes with a body core material of metal appear to have been made over a considerable period. For a box with a metal body attributed to the early-Ming dynasty see a cylindrical example carved with figures in a landscape, included in the exhibition Collection of Chinese Lacquer, Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, 1964, cat. no. 3.