A wucai 'Lei Gong and Dian Mu' box and cover, Qing dynasty, Shunzhi period

English Private Collection.

This extraordinary box depicts the Lord of Thunder and Mother of Lightning soaring above the clouds, venerated by humanity below. While boxes of similar form are well attested bearing blue and white designs, related 17th century examples featuring delicate polychrome scenes of such quality are rare. Compare a related box depicting boys at play amidst oxen sold at Christie’s London, 11th June 1990, lot 189 and again, 7th November 1994, lot 14.