A very rare massive cinnabar-lacquer double-peach box and cover Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period

the conjoined peaches finely carved in deep layers of varying relief on the cover with two bats in flight amid peaches and blossoms on very naturalistically carved gnarled branches, all fruits covered with different diapers, all against a black diaper ground, the interior lacquered black with the ridge between the two peaches in relief, the box similarly carved with peaches and flowers in leafy scrolls

The overall condition is very good with only a few minor chips to the lacquer carving. The interior rim has some light retouching to the black lacquer. The base also has some light retouching to the lacquer on the inner rim on both the interior and exterior. The carving is in very good condition. The base only has just some minor wear around the perimeter.
"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 box is magnificent for its large size and unusual double peach form, which is carved in a stunning matrix of finely detailed leafy peach branches from which clusters of peaches emerge. No other similar example appears to have been published. The exceptional level of carving is apparent through the varying textures of the different elements which are naturalistically captured, such as the knots of the rough branches and delicacy of the blossoms and leaves and sinuous quality of the bats. This dexterity of the carver is further revealed through the diaper-pattern texture of the peaches, as the contrasting texture draws attention to these important fruit. Moreover, through the use of a carved black lacquer ground, from which the subject appears to emerge, the box possesses a heightened sense of three-dimensionality.

The classic combination of peaches and bats enjoyed imperial favour during the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods and may be found on a range of different media and wares. Decorative motifs were carefully chosen for their symbolic value and the representation of blessings and longevity through the bats (fu) and peaches (shoutao) imbue the present box with rich auspicious meaning. Such symbolism and fine worksmanship suggest this box may have been made for an imperial birthday or important celebratory occasion.

Compare a pair of cinnabar lacquer peach-shape boxes similarly depicting fruit on flowering peach branches sold at Christie's New York, 6^th May 1980, lot 232. See a smaller circular example naturalistically carved with a fruiting peach tree, illustrated in Derek Clifford, Chinese Carved Lacquer, London, 1992, pl. 93. Compare also a small bracket-lobed box finely decorated with a cluster of three peaches and surrounded by peach blossoms and leaves, attributed to the late Ming dynasty, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30/31^st October 1994, lot 380. 

Peaches feature in numerous popular stories, often of Daoist connotation as the quest for immortality was one of the Daoists' primary concerns. Peaches of immortality were said to grow in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West, Xiwangmu, and were believed to flower every 3000 years and require another 3000 to bear fruit.