清十八 / 十九世紀 黑漆描金雲壽紋萬字形蓋盒

finely constructed in the form of a large wan character, decorated in shades of gilt with twenty-three 'shou' characters, all surrounded by pairs of stylised chilong, interspersed with scrolling clouds, all framed within borders of key fret scroll, the sides of the box and cover decorated with two registers of shou characters, all against a floral diaper ground, the interior lacquered brown, the underside black.

The box and cover are generally in good condition. There are typical age cracks throughout, and bruises at the flanges and fragile extremities.
"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."

可參考一相類盒例，藏北京故宮博物院，錄《故宮博物院藏文物珍品全集‧清代漆器》，香港，2006年，圖版123；同見三相類例，藏北京故宮博物院，其一出處同上，圖版124；另兩例載於《中國美術分類全集‧中國漆器全集》，卷6，福州，1993年，圖版55及56。

此蓋盒寓意吉祥，萬字形制，通繪描金壽字紋，合祝「萬壽」之意。