A PAINTED AND GILT-DECORATED RED LACQUER BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, CHONGZHEN PERIOD, DATED 1630 |

of rectangular form, the top of the box intricately painted and gilt depicting a lively celebratory courtyard scene centred by Tang dynasty general Guo Ziyi surrounded by lively musicians and attendants baring gifts, set with a mountainous landscape in the far distance, the exterior of the box with flowering plants and birds, the foot and rim bordered with gilt, all against a red ground, the base and interior lacquered black, the base inscribed in red with Chongzhen sannian hangchuan zhang shengyuan liande zhi zheng (Dedicated by Zhang Shengyuan of Hangchuan, during the third year of Chongzhen)

There are some wear to the surface, and numerous expected cracks with associated chips and losses, with the largest area near the central portion to the cover (approx. 4.6 x 0.8 cm). The exterior of the sides to the box has been retouched.
"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."

Compare two boxes of this type, the first painted with figures arriving at a grand reception, and the other decorated with a scene of visit in the central panel, from the Florence and Herbert Irving collection and now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, included in the Museum’s exhibition East Asian Lacquer from the Florence and Herbert Irving Collection, 1991, cat. nos 66-7 respectively.