A RARE CINNABAR LACQUER ‘DRAGON' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of quatrefoil form, the domed cover deftly carved in various levels of relief, depicting a quatrefoil panel with three five-clawed dragons writhing amongst turbulent waves contesting a flaming pearl, all enclosed within a keyfret band, the sides of the cover and the box similarly decorated with flowering prunus scattered on a sea of cresting waves, the rims and foot encircled by keyfret bands, lacquered black to the interior and base

The top left sections of the box and cover have probably been broken and restored, as evident from the cracks with associated losses visible on both sides of the lacquer. The largest loss on the interior cover measures approx. 4.5x0.7cm, and that on the box around 4.5x2.8cm. There are other smaller chips around the rim and along the cracks, with extensive areas of infill and overpaint. The lower right corner and the left side of both the cover and box also have extensive areas of overpaint and chips. The box has a 3x0.8cm area of loss to the rim at the lower left edge, revealing the core material underneath. A section of the foot (6.5x1.5cm) may have been broken and restuck, with associated re-lacquer and chips. There are other general areas of cracks and lacquer losses (in consistent with age), and related areas of overpaint and infills.
"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."

This box is notable for its intricately carved design of three ferocious five-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls. A closely related box was sold at Christie’s London, 11^th December 1989, lot 273. See also a five-lobed box with this design and inscribed with a poem sold in our New York rooms, 21^st/22^nd September 2005, lot 186. According to this poem, boxes carved on the cover with three dragons and with scattered plum blossoms on the sides are representative of winter, and were part of sets of four boxes, each symbolising a different season.