A CINNABAR-LACQUER 'NINE DRAGONS' BOX AND COVER MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of globular form resting on a short straight foot, the top of the domed cover deeply carved with an en face five-clawed dragon, with gaping jaws, exhorbited eyes and flaring nostrils, its powerful scaly body writhing around a 'flaming pearl', further encircled around the sides with four dragons striding in a similar pursuit, all reserved on a dense ground of crashing waves and flames, the base similarly carved with four further five-clawed dragons reaching for 'flaming pearls', the foot picked out with key-fret, the interior of the cover engraved with the four characters Jiu long bao he ('Nine Dragons Box'), and the interior of the base with a six-character mark, both deeply incised and gilt against a black lacquered ground

The carving has some expected nicks and minor retouching. Sections of the rims have been retouched with lacquer, possibly to conceal and stabilise some typical age cracks. There are also some small flakes and a few shallow chips to the inner rims and footring. Besides some scratches, especially to the interior and underside of the box, the overall condition is very good with most of the original carving well preserved.
"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."

Composed of nine dragons striding in pursuit of 'flaming pearls', the dynamism and detail of the present piece reveals the opulent taste of the Qianlong emperor and the zenith of lacquer carving achieved during his reign. Rendered with ferocious expressions, gaping jaws that reveal sharp fangs, bulbous eyes and flaring nostrils, the intricately modelled scaly bodies thrash through the waves to create a brilliant scene of intense strength and energy. Moreover, the combed lines of the turbulent water and crested waves provide a striking setting for the dragons.

Boxes of this type were possibly made in the Lacquer Workshops of the Zaobanchu (Imperial Palace Workshop) located in the Forbidden City. The same subject and style of carving can be found on several pieces preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, such as the 'nine dragons' box illustrated in Zhongguo bowuyuan can diaoqi/Carved Lacquer in the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 311. A larger 'nine dragons' box inscribed with the same reign mark and 'name', and another box of comparable size and decoration, but only inscribed with a reign mark, are preserved in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, and were included in the museum's exhibition Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors, Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2008, cat. no. 133 & 135. See also a similarly marked and named 'nine dragons' box of larger proportions, sold in these rooms, 8th April 2011, lot 3151.