清乾隆 剔紅雕漆「海水獅子」圖圓蓋盒

of compressed globular form, the cover deeply and meticulously carved with three frolicking fu lions, the mythical beasts animatedly depicted with long-haired coats and bushy tails, all reserved on a dense ground of fine rolling waves, the foot encircled with key-fret, the interior and base lacquered in black

The overall condition is quite good. There are several vertical age cracks to the lacquer issuing from the cover rim, including a 6 cm forked crack secured with light touch up. There is some crackles on the interior with a few losses to the black lacquer. There is some retouching to the rims and a few dents on the footring.
"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."

此盒出自一組為數不多的雕漆器，分別飾游龍、獅子、瑞獸紋，生動無比。參考北京故宮博物院收藏一例，載於《中國漆器全集》，卷6，福州，1993年，圖版206。另有漆盒作例，屬三藩市亞洲美術館藏品，載於《海外遺珍．漆器》，台北，1987年，圖版154。還有私人收藏例作，錄於 Derek Clifford，《Chinese Carved Lacquer》，倫敦，1992年，頁131，圖版105。書中作者提及「同類器北京藏十一件……台北有四件……」。另有圓形漆盒作例，曾售於香港蘇富比2012年4月4日，編號3150。

相關紋飾可參考一明宣德荷葉形漆盤，雕水波雙獸圖，屬北京故宮博物院藏品，前述出處，圖版45。