A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER 'FIGURAL' BOX AND COVER MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY |

of rectangular form, deftly carved to the flat cover with a scene of four scholars appreciating paintings and antiquities in a garden setting, with attendants, deer, rocks, clouds, and vegetation completing the picture, the sides of the box carved with blossoming magnolia branches, all against a diaper ground, the interiors and base lacquered black

This box and cover are in overall good condition, with the exception of some minor retouching to the lacquer, in particularly to the top and sides of the cover. There are also some minute nicks to the extremities, minor cracks and some surface wear and scratches, and some tiny flakes to the base of the box.
"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 a similar box and cover in the Cincinnati Art Museum, illustrated in Chinese Art in the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, 1997, pl. 99; a related example in the Shanghai Museum, included in the Museum's exhibition In A Myriad of Forms: The Ancient Chinese Lacquers, Shanghai, 2018, cat. no. 85; and a circular box and cover carved with related scene, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Museum's exhibition Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors. Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2008, cat. no. 72.