清乾隆 剔紅雕漆水波龍紋海棠式蓋盒

of quatrefoil form, the domed cover deftly carved in various levels of relief, depicting a quatrefoil panel with three five-clawed dragons writhing amongst turbulent waves contesting a flaming pearl, all enclosed within a keyfret band, the sides of the cover and the box similarly decorated with flowering prunus scattered on a sea of cresting waves, the rims and foot encircled by keyfret bands, lacquered black to the interior and base

The top left sections of the box and cover have probably been broken and restored, as evident from the cracks with associated losses visible on both sides of the lacquer. The largest loss on the interior cover measures approx. 4.5x0.7cm, and that on the box around 4.5x2.8cm. There are other smaller chips around the rim and along the cracks, with extensive areas of infill and overpaint. The lower right corner and the left side of both the cover and box also have extensive areas of overpaint and chips. The box has a 3x0.8cm area of loss to the rim at the lower left edge, revealing the core material underneath. A section of the foot (6.5x1.5cm) may have been broken and restuck, with associated re-lacquer and chips. There are other general areas of cracks and lacquer losses (in consistent with age), and related areas of overpaint and infills.
"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."

本盒巧雕三條五爪搶珠巨龍，工藝嫻熟，精緻入微。倫敦佳士得曾售一例，1989年12月11日，編號 273。亦見一五棱盒例，上刻「落花流水，碧海騰龍，四季宮盒，冬梅之意」詩句，四季宮盒，落梅為冬，該例或出自一組四盒，售於紐約蘇富比2005年9月21/22日，編號186。