A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the circular cover carved in high relief with a lakeside scene of nine boys fishing, paddling, and exchanging lotus, the landscape with rich vegetation and gnarled rocks, all encircled by bands of keyfret and lotus lappets, the sides of the box and cover each with four quatrelobed cartouches containing blossoming and fruiting plants, one of the 'Eight Auspicious Emblems' between each cartouche, all reserved against diaper grounds, keyfret bands at the rims and foot, the interiors and base lacquered black, wood stand (3)

John Sparks Ltd., London.

In overall good condition but with a few minor losses and minor dents in places of high relief, for instance to the boy's fishing pole and to the tulip tree in the cartouche. Minor scratches and cracks to the interiors, and minor chips to the interior of the foot. The interiors and base may have been re-lacquered, and the tulip tree cartouche has been retouched. Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States. 
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.

The lacquer arts flourished in the Qianlong period, with carved cinnabar boxes representing one of the principal categories. Like the present example, many of these boxes feature felicitous scenes of scholars or children enjoying leisure activities. The virtuosity of the artisan's skill can be seen in the compositional complexity, the variety of depths and angles at which leaves and petals emerge, the naturalistic roundness of the figures and the sway of their clothes, and the fineness and variety of the diaper patterns covering the ground.

A box of this type, but slightly larger and depicting a 'flower presentation' scene, from the Qing court collection, now in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Li Jiufang, The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, vol. 46, Hong Kong, 2006, pl. 37. A similar box, larger still and illustrating an Immortal accompanied by attendants in a mountainous landscape, sold at Christie's London, 10th November 2015, lot 172. A related Qianlong mark and period box of hexagonal lobed form sold in our London rooms, 25th November 2015, lot 228.