宋/元 剔犀雕漆「佛獅滾繡球」圖圓蓋盒

of circular form, the flat top carved through the black and red layers to the ochre ground with two Buddhist lions amongst stylised clouds, clasping in their mouths the ends of the ribbons tied to the brocade ball in the centre, the sides of the cover and the box encircled with keyfret bands, the interior and base lacquered black

The box has overall age cracks, as consistent of age. There is a circa 8cm crack (visible on both sides) to one side of the cover that has been painted over in black. The box has a circa 4.5cm crack running from the base to one side of the box. There are patches of minor bubbling to the underside of the cover (predominantly across an area of 6 x 6cm in the middle). The rims of the cover and the box and the foot have extensive areas of loss. There are other minor chips and areas of flake and loss across the surface. There are overall surface scratches, predominantly on the reverse and the longest measuring 16cm, and signs of surface wear near the rims revealing the red lacquer underneath.
"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."

本品斷年較早，雕工精細嫻熟並保存良好，不見多例。有一作例尺寸略小，紋飾相類，應屬十五世紀初，圖刊於《故宮雕漆噐選萃》，台北，1971年，圖版2。倫敦大英博物館收藏另有一明代作例，曾出版於Sir Harry Garner，《Chinese Lacquer》，London，1979年，圖版40。東京根津美術學院藏有一例，刻四隻佛獅，曾展於德川美術館，東京，1984年，編號182。

佛獅滾繡球此題材亦可見於同年代之瓷例，見林登博物館一盤例，錄於《Im Zeichen des Drachen》，林登，2006年，頁138，圖版57。