A Chinese cinnabar red lacquer box and cover Qianlong mark and period

of hexagonal lobed form, the domed cover deftly carved through layers of rich red lacquer, depicting a six-lobed cartouche enclosing a scholar seated by a pavilion by the riverbanks, looking at a fisherman playing the flute on his sampan boat, the foreground with an attendant holding a pile of books, all encircled by a keyfret band, the sides of the cover and the box with rectangular cartouches enclosing floral sprays, all reserved on a dense ground of floral scrolls, the rims with keyfret borders, the interior and base lacquered black, inscribed and gilded to the underside of the cover with four characters reading Xiaoxia Baohe (Treasured box of Summer Retreat), the base with a six-character reign mark

The lacquer box is in overall good condition. There is a section of loss approx. 0.9cm long to the pavilion on the cover of the box, as well as some scattered chips, small losses to the lacquer particularly to the edges which are all consistent with age and use.
"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."