A RARE PAIR OF CINNABAR LACQUER THREE-TIERED BOXES WITH COVERS AND STANDS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of square section, the cover boldly carved in varying levels of relief through layers of rich cinnabar lacquer, depicting three Buddhist lions frolicking around a beribboned brocade ball on a bed of swirling flames, each beast finely detailed with a tightly-coiled mane, bushy tail and sharp fangs, all encircled by a band of shou character medallions, the sides decorated with a dense floret diaper pattern, the stand supported on four ruyi feet with ruyi-shaped aprons on each side, the top of the stand neatly incised with a stylised lotus spray framed by foliage at the corners, similarly decorated at the sides with a keyfret band and floret diaper, the interior and base lacquered in black

Roger Keverne Ltd., London, 2002.
A private English collection.

Roger Keverne Ltd., Fine and Rare Chinese Works of Art and Ceramics, Summer Exhibition 2002, London, 2002, cat. no. 131.

There has been retouching to the fragile extremities, particularly to the flanges and the feet. Visible age cracks to the underside and interiors. Other general surface and scratches.
"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 a playful scene of lions, this scene is known on boxes of various shapes; see a rectangular box published in Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, Beijing, 1971, cat. no. 34; another sold in these rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 489; and a circular box illustrated in Derek Clifford, Chinese Carved Lacquer, London, 1992, pl. 105.