A small Chinese cloisonné enamel 'lotus' box and cover Qianlong mark and period (1736-1795)

of circular form, the rounded sides rising from a short spreading foot, brightly enamelled with lotus strapwork reserved on a turquoise ground, the domed cover similarly decorated, the interior and base gilt, the base inscribed with a four-character reign mark and shou character respectively

Possibly acquired by or given to General John Crewe (bap. 1772–1835) who travelled to Peking as part of the first British Embassy to China, led by Lord Macartney in 1793.

 

Generally in excellent condition. There are minor pitting to the enamels, characteristic of the period. There are minute dents and minor nibbling along the rim. The rim, interior and base with minor rubbing to the gilding and general surface 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."

A number of cloisonné vessels inscribed with an additional character below the reign mark, such as the shou (to receive) character found on the base of the present box, are discussed by Sir Harry Garner in Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamels, London, 1962, p. 92, where it is noted that the ‘use of characters in addition to a nian hao seems to be peculiar to cloisonné’. Although the exact purpose of these characters is still unknown, scholars believe that they may have served as a way of numbering objects in large sets.

Compare two similar boxes with a Qianlong mark and the character guang (official) and dou (to present) respectively, sold in these rooms, the first, 12^th June 1990, lot 48, and the second, 16^th May 2007, lot 94. See also another box with a similar design and the additional character zhen (gem) below the reign mark, illustrated in Chinese Cloisonné. The Clague Collection, Phoenix, 1980, pl. 54.