A ZITAN 'LOTUS' WEIQI BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the compressed globular body carved in low relief with a band of flowering branches of peony, camellia and magnolia and a spray of bamboo leaves, reserved against a diaper ground, between a band of leiwen at the base and petal panels around the shoulder, the lid carved in the shape of a lotus leaf, the densely grained wood richly patinated

Mary and George Bloch Collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 23rd October 2005, lot 32.

The box and cover are in overall good condition. There is a shallow chip to one flower on the exterior of the box measuring approx 1 by 0.8 cm. There are also typical faint age cracks to the box and cover as well as expected surface wear.
"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 form of this box closely recalls the classic guan shape of early Ming ceramics, many of which also had original covers of leaf form. A similar pair of weiqi boxes made from huanghuali wood is illustrated in S. Handler, Austere Luminosity of Chinese Furniture, California, 2001, p. 200.  Another pair, but lacking the finely carved decoration seen on the present piece, was included in the exhibition The Imperial Packing Art of the Qing Dynasty, Beijing, 1999, cat.no. 122, and a further pair in Qing Legacies - the Sumptuous Art of Imperial Packaging, Macau, 2000, cat.no. 94.  Compare also a pair sold in our New York rooms, 26th November 1991, lot 441, and one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 19th January 1988, lot 487.