A QUATRELOBED POLYCHROME LACQUER 'DRAGON' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, EARLY 18TH CENTURY

of quatrelobed form, the flat top deeply carved through layers of red, yellow and green lacquer with three dragons soaring sinuously amidst ruyi-shaped clouds, all against a fine diapered geometric ground, the straight sides decorated with four cartouches enclosing lush blooming crabapples and large leaves against a diapered ground, alternating with four of the Eight Treasures (babao), the 'flaming pearl', the ruyi bloom, the ingot and the horn well defined against a diapered ground of wan symbols, the box similarly decorated with cartouches of crabapples alternating with a 'flaming pearl', an ingot, coins and horns, the interior and base lacquered black

There are some minor chips to the carving, especially to the side panels, in addition to occasional flakes and dents. The box and cover also has some expected age crackles. The rims and edges, as well as other occasional areas, have been retouched or re-lacquered, possibly to conceal typical minor flakes and crackles.
"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."

Expertly carved with three dragons amongst swirling clouds as they pursue a 'flaming pearl', the craftsman’s expertise with the medium is evident in the vigorous rendering of the dragons as well as the various levels of carving that carefully reveal the layers of colour built up to allow for the polychrome effect. The rich yellow ground contrasts with the black lining of the clouds to together enhance the dynamism of the design. It is more common to find five-clawed dragons carved amongst crashing waves in cinnabar lacquer, although the dragon and cloud motif is often found in imperial wooden furniture.

A quatrelobed box, the domed cover carved with three dragons amongst turbulent waves, was sold in our London rooms, 13th May 2015, lot 153; and another was sold at Christie’s London, 11th December 1989, lot 273. Compare a quatrelobed box, but of more square form and carved with seahorses in waves, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum’s exhibition Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, 1971, cat. no. 42. A circular box, also with a flat cover and carved with three dragons in pursuit of a central 'flaming pearl' amongst waves, with a Qianlong mark and of the period, was sold in our London rooms, 16th May 2007, lot 75.

The five-clawed dragon is symbolic of the emperor and the pairing of dragons with a flaming pearl combines elements from two separate traditions: the dragon from Chinese mythology and the jewel from Buddhist iconography. The talismanic wish-granting jewel represents transcendent wisdom, and when depicted with the dragon this motif was highly suited to imperial works of art, as the emperor's status was said to be heaven-endowed.