A CORAL-RED IMITATION LACQUER BOX AND COVER SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

shaped like a pumpkin, the ten-lobed circular cover centred with a molded florette, the box of conforming shape, applied on the exterior with a coral-red enamel imitating cinnabar lacquer, and turquoise on the interiors and base, the rims trimmed with gold, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in iron red

A Japanese Collection.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 11th May 2008, lot 2980.

The overall condition is very good with only some minor wear to the gilding along the edges. The actual colour is quite close to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

No other box made in imitation of lacquer and of this form appears to have been published. For a chrysanthemum-shape box made to imitate lacquer, also with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, see one from the collection of Anthony du Boulay, included in the Oriental Ceramic Society exhibition Iron in the Fire, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1998, cat. no. 98. See also a circular box simulating carved lacquer, with a Qianlong reign mark and of the period, sold twice in these rooms, 28^th November 1978, lot 163, and again from the British Rail Pension Fund, 16^th May 1989, lot 47.

The remarkable virtuosity of the Qianlong potters is evident in this piece, and the lobed form which has been left uncarved is reminiscent of the lobed lacquer boxes of the Yuan period (1279-1368), for example see an eight-lobed box in the Detroit institute of Arts, Detroit, published in Chinese Art in Overseas Collections. Lacquerware, Taipei, 1987, pl. 52.