A RARE LOBED CINNABAR LACQUER 'BOYS' BOX AND COVER JIAJING MARK AND PERIOD

the cinquefoil lobed cover finely carved to the top with a scene of eight boys at play within a walled garden, with four boys playing musical instruments including the drum, cymbals and pipe, whilst two other hold up poles suspending wanzi and fish, with another hiding behind rockwork, all encircling a central figure who raises a large dish planted with lingzhi and rockwork above his head, the rockwork emitting vapor which contorts to form a stylized shou character above, all amidst lingzhi, peony and pine trees and reserved against diaper grounds, the sides carved with a register of five striding dragons, each with its fifth claws effaced, and an undulating lingzhi scroll border, the sides of the box similarly carved, the interiors and base lacquered black, the base incised in gilt with the six-character mark, Japanese wood box (3)

Kyoto National Museum, 1950s-60s until 2016 (on loan). 

In very good general condition. Some very small chips and minute losses to the extremities of the carving. The 5th claw of each dragon effaced. Age cracks to the base and sides, as consistent with age. Some possible consolidation and re-lacquering to interiors and edges.
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.

Whilst depictions of boys at play and Daoist motifs are commonly found on ceramics and works of art of the Jiajing period, the combination of the lobed form and arrangement of the figures on the present box is rare. Compare a box and cover of the same form, inscribed and gilt with a Jiajing reign mark, carved with dragons in the collection of National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors. Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2008, cat. no. 95.