A RARE IMPERIAL CINNABAR LACQUER CART FOR THE SCHOLAR'S DESK QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the two-tiered body of rectangular section and supported on four wheels reticulated with stylised ruyi-shaped spokes radiating from the axes, finely carved around the exterior with rectangular panels enclosing lotus sprays within angular ruyi-strapwork reserved on various diaper grounds, the edges bordered with key-fret bands, surmounted by a removable tray, the tray neatly tessellated with four 'L'-shaped boxes and covers enclosing a central rectangular box and cover, each of the former decorated with two of the bajixiang emblems against a foaming wave ground, the latter centred with a stylised wan roundel with radiating petals, surrounded by soaring bats and ruyi blooms, all against a dense wave ground, the interior lacquered black

Sotheby's London, 9th November 2005, lot 252.

Overall good condition with just minor losses and bruises to small sections of the fragile extremities, with old repainting at some of the corners. Other general 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."

Notable for its intricate and deep carving, this exquisitely conceived box reveals the opulent taste of the Qianlong Emperor and his passion for unusual playthings that simulated other materials. Made to imitate an imperial carriage, boxes of this form served a number of functions, such as containing scholarly objects, holding a writing set, or as an incense box.

A very similar box of this type in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 41. Further examples of cart-shaped boxes include one in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Gugong bowuyuan cang. Diaoqi [Carved Lacquer in the Palace Museum], Beijing, 1985, pl. 361; one from the collection of Her Majesty the Queen, kept at Buckingham Palace, London, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935, cat. no. 2334; another illustrated in A.W. Bahr, Old Chinese Porcelain and Works of Art in China, London, 1911, pl. CXVII; and a further box from the collection of Dr Bruno Canto, sold in our Paris rooms, 18th December 2012, lot 63.

Compare also a zitan box similarly modelled in the form of a cart loaded with scrolls and books, sold in our New York rooms, 19th March 1997, lot 399, and again in our Paris rooms, 12th December 2013, lot 75.