A RARE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER DOCUMENT BOX AND COVER (XIANG) QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

of rectangular form, the exterior intricately carved revealing underlayers of green and ochre colored lacquer, the cover with a central Shou medallion encircled by five bats amidst a leafing peony meander, the front, back and side panels similarly carved, the interior black-lacquered and painted with gilt floral sprigs, the sides fitted with bail handles, the front with a foliate-incised rectangular lock plate and ruyi-form hasp,  the base lacquered black, with black lacquer stand (2)

C.T. Loo & Cie, Paris, 1982.

In overall good condition. There are some losses and restorations to the lacquer around the metal mounts. There are some small scattered chips and nicks to the carved designs, and some age cracks to the interior, as well as signs of wear to the base, all consistent with age. There has been minor consolidation along the edges. The metal mounts may have been replaced.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Lacquer boxes of this type are very rare, but two similar examples were sold in our Hong Kong rooms 11th April 2008, lot 2864 and 25th April 2004, lot 20.  Another comparable example with a dragon and phoenix design was sold in Christie's Imperial sale, Hong Kong, 27th April 1997, lot 33. Document boxes were also occasionally made out of zitan, another favorite material used at the court, and similarly fitted with gilt-bronze handles, such as a box in the Palace Museum Beijing, illustrated in Furniture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (II) IV The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, pl.235.