明十七世紀 朱漆描金花鳥圖頂箱立櫃

of rectangular form, comprising a tall cabinet and a separate hat chest, each with doors opening from removable centre stiles, painted against a red ground with birds and flowers in a rocky landscape, all enclosed by meandering floral scrolls, the sides and shaped apron similarly decorated, the interior lacquered black and set with two shelves, fitted with metal hinges, plates and pulls

Sammy Y. Lee & Wangs Co.，香港，1973年
賽克勒收藏

李汝寬，《東方漆器藝術》，紐約，1972年，圖版247

There are general age cracks running horizontally across the cabinet with associated loss, including two large cracks running along vertically down the side of the lower panel towards the feet (approx. 45cm). There are areas of loss and flakes along the cracks, joints and along the areas where the metal plates are attached. There are extensive areas of re-lacquer and repainting along the corners, particularly to the left edge of the cabinet. Some cracks have been consolidated. The hat chest has general age cracks, and a larger crack along the top right edge. There is an area of lacquer loss, including the top left corner (ca. 11 x 9cm) and other nicks to the lacquer along the extremities. The colours are slightly tarnished with traces of loss to the gilding. The brass fittings to the feet may be later added.
"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."

此頂箱立櫃為朝廷高官儲存面聖及拜訪上卿的衣袍飾物之用。頂箱用來存放朝冠和頂戴花翎等冠飾，櫃身則用來存放朝服、朝笏以及其它飾物，參見李汝寬，《東方漆器藝術》，紐約，1972年，頁322。此件立櫃除了製作精良，畫工考究之外，更為難得的是其金屬合頁及周身包鑲皆為原配。

明末清初的大型漆櫃繪飾有如此精美的花鳥描金圖的只見寥寥數例，存世品中有一件相類作例，或與本品成對，錄於Michel Beurdeley，《Chinese Furniture》，東京、紐約及三藩市，1979年，頁129，圖版175。另可見一作例，比例及形制與本品略異，以褐色為地，同繪花鳥枝葉圖，售於紐約蘇富比1990年4月11/12日，編號671。