明十五 / 十六世紀 剔紅「攜琴訪友」圖四層梅花式蓋盒

of lobed section, finely carved through layers of rich cinnabar lacquer, the cover with a scholar and his acolyte beneath a lofty pine tree next to a pavilion, a further scholar seated by a desk in the pavilion, all against a floral diapered ground and finely incised undulating lines figuring the sky, the lobed tiers separated into five panels, each enclosing a different flower in composite sequences, including peony, magnolia, rose, prunus and chrysanthemum, all supported on a splayed foot bordered by a key-fret band, the interior and base lacquered in black

The overall condition is good with the exception of a chip to the inner flange of two of the tiers.
"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."

此蓋盒剔工繁縟，取題文人庭閣圖景。此類紋飾自明初始常見於各門漆器，構圖均襲同時期版畫及扇面品作。如見一例，宋代馬麟作（1194-1264），錄Mary Trgear，《Chinese Art》，倫敦，1980，圖版102。

可參考一盒例，Krolik及仇焱之舊藏，曾售倫敦蘇富比1970年2月24日，編號80及倫敦佳士得1983年12月14日，編號25。另見一例，售於紐約佳士得2010年3月26日，編號1187。亦見一四方倭角盒例，Naonori Matsudaira子爵 (1869-1931)舊藏，曾售倫敦蘇富比2011年5月11日，編號121。再見一例，剔文人乘舟圖，藏北京故宮，載《你應該知道的200件雕漆》，北京，2008年，圖版56。