A CINNABAR LACQUER 'LIONS' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of rectangular form, the flat top surface deftly carved and incised in high relief through the rich red cinnabar lacquer with a central panel enclosing three Buddhist lions against a floral diaper ground, frolicking amidst flames around a beribboned ball, the writhed mythical felines detailed with a finely incised mane and bushy tail, sharp fangs and powerful limbs, further surrounded by a border of lotus scrolls between two bands of key-fret, the sides centred by frieze of whorl motifs within scrolling lotus and a key-fret frame repeated along the edges and around the box, the interior and underside lacquered in black, the recessed base incised with the six-character mark filled-in with gold, the underside of the cover inscribed with the characters suanni bao he ('Precious Mythical Lions Box')

The overall condition is good. There are some typical age cracks and minute flakes along the edges of the box. One corner of the cover rim has an old 0.5 x 1.1 cm chip. There are further small filled in chips (1.3 x 1.1 cm) at another corner of the box and a few stabilised cracks to the other two corners. The carving is crisp and clear.
"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 exquisitely designed and finely crafted box represents early Qing period crafsmanship when Imperial lacquer carving enjoyed unprecedented heights. Made in the Palace Workshop, boxes of this type were used as packaging to contain gifts or the personal belongings of the emperor and his family members. The imagery of three Buddhist lions, usually a larger lion with two small lions, playing with brocade balls tied with long ribbons is full of auspicious meaning; with the long ribbon symbolizing longevity, the lions representing the wish for descendants to achieve success and high rank. The motif overall represents wealth, success and longevity.

Every aspect of decoration on this box has been carefully planned; the regular and symmetrically arranged lotus scroll border around the cover and on the sides serve as an attractive frame for the main design. Related border motif can be found on a rectangular box carved with two dragons in pursuit of a flaming pearl, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 46; and on a box offered in these rooms, 8th October 2008, lot 2207.