A LARGE CINNABAR LACQUER 'SHOU' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of circular form, finely and deeply carved through layers of red and black, the flat cover decorated with a red wan medallion in the centre encircled by ruyi heads, bats and clouds, all reserved on a black wan diaper ground, encircled with a thin band of peaches, finger citrons and pomegranates on a composite leafy border, the middle decorated with two rows of various styles of the shou character in archaic script, bound by a border of butterflies and melons and a band of 'classic' scroll, the sides similarly carved with further shou characters, above a thin border of lingzhi scrolls and mirrored on the base, all reserved a dense fret-diaper ground in black, the interior lacquered black with gold flecks

The overall condition is quite good with only some chips and losses to the rim of the interior of the box and cover. The lip of the base has some light restoration to a few chips. There are some light re-touching on the exterior rim, but the carved areas appear to be in quite good condition.
"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."

Boxes carved with this auspicious design are extremely rare. Compare boxes of circular form and related decorative composition, such as one carved with a shou character surrounded by peony blossoms on the flat cover and lotus scrolls between bat borders, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated in Edward F. Strange, Catalogue of Chinese Lacquer, London, 1925, pl. 1; another decorated with the wufu surrounding a central shou character on a swirling wave ground and roundels of fruit and flowers on the sides, from the collection of Professor Howard Hansford, sold at Christie's London, 17^th June 1985, lot 351; and a third example carved all over with bats and shou characters on a wave ground around a central shou character, sold at Christie's New York, 6^th May 1980, lot 235.