A FINELY CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

finely carved in imitation of bound books with clasps at the sides, the shorter sides of the box overlaid with bone to simulate the pages of the books carried within, the remaining sides intricately carved in imitation of brocade with roundels enclosing flowers and fruit, all reserved on a floral diaper ground, the interior and base lacquered black

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 23rd October 2005, lot 390.

The overall condition is very good. There are just only a few minor areas of restoration to a couple of the corners.
"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 piece is a fine example of the elegant cinnabar lacquer boxes carved in imitation of bound books that were greatly admired by the Qianlong emperor.  A closely related box also carved with covers simulating floral brocade, is illustrated in Daily Life of a Qing Emperor, Hong Kong, 1984, cat. no. 53.  Two lacquer boxes with similar carved decoration can also be found in the Palace Museum, Beijing, and are illustrated in Sankido and Master Pieces of Chinese Stationary, Tokyo, 1990, p. 24, no. 23, and in Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, no. 395.  See also a related box in the Tianjin Museum is illustrated in Zhongguo Qiqi Quanji, vol. 6, Fujian, 1997, no. 221.

A similar cinnabar lacquer box and cover replicating a bound album was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 27th October 2003, lot 784; and another carved with a landscape scene, sold on 31st October 2000, lot 1012.