A Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Four-Tiered Box and Cover Ming Dynasty, 15th / 16th Century

of lobed section, finely carved through layers of rich cinnabar lacquer, the cover with a scholar and his acolyte beneath a lofty pine tree next to a pavilion, a further scholar seated by a desk in the pavilion, all against a floral diapered ground and finely incised undulating lines figuring the sky, the lobed tiers separated into five panels, each enclosing a different flower in composite sequences, including peony, magnolia, rose, prunus and chrysanthemum, all supported on a splayed foot bordered by a key-fret band, the interior and base lacquered in black

The overall condition is good with the exception of a chip to the inner flange of two of the tiers.
"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."

Intricately carved with scholars in a pavilion setting, the design adorning the present box was a popular subject on lacquer wares from the early Ming dynasty. These scenes closely followed woodblock prints and fan paintings, such as one by the Song dynasty Ma Lin (1194-1264), illustrated in Mary Tregear, Chinese Art, London, 1980, pl. 102.

Related tiered boxes include one of hexagonal form, from the Krolik and the Edward T. Chow collections, sold in our London rooms, 24th February 1970, lot 80, and again at Christie’s London, 14th December 1983, lot 25; one of quatrefoil form, sold at Christie’s New York, 26th March 2010, lot 1187; and a square-section example with canted corners, from the collection of Viscount Naonori Matsudaira (1869-1931), 11th May 2011, lot 121. Compare also a square box carved with a scene of scholars in boats, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in 200 Objects You Should Know: Carved Lacquer Ware, Beijing, 2008, pl. 56.