Rare boîte couverte "Chun" en zitan sculpté Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

of oval form, the flat cover finely carved the character chun (spring) centrered on a medallion enclosing Shoulao and flanked by a pair of five-clawed scaly dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls and amidst ruyi-shaped cloud scrolls, all reserved on a diaper ground, the straight sides of the cover and box deeply carved with flowering prunus branches on a diaper ground (2)

The is a 4 cm long crack on one side of the cover extending diagonally upwards across the rim and side and continuing about 6cm below the flat part of the cover. There are traces of red seal paste in to the interior of the box and cover. The box and the flat part of the cover are in overall very good condition with beautiful deep carving and lovely patina. The box and especially the cover are heavy.
"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."

Known as a 'Precious Spring Longevity Box' (chunshou baohe) for the auspicious design carved on the cover, this box is highly unusual as the design is more commonly associated with lacquer boxes of the Qianlong period, such as a related circular cinnabar carved lacquer box and cover formerly in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in Chen Lihua, Diaoqi. Carved Lacquer Ware, Beijing, 2008, pp. 259-259, cat.no. 177, and pp. 290-291, cat.no. 196. A related miniature zitan box deeply carved with a chun character on the cover flanked by sinuous dragons and auspicious emblens around the side, also formerly in the Qing Court Collection, is published in The Imperial Packing Art of the Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 2000, cat.no. 62; a zitan tray carved with chun character and auspicious objects is illustrated in Auspicious Emblems. 45th Anniversary Exhibition of the Min Chiu Society, Hong Kong, 2005, pl. 99.