清乾隆 剔紅海水異獸紋壁瓶

carved with a pair of confronting two-clawed dragons, their serpentine bodies rendered meandering amidst swirling clouids, all above a key-fret border along the foot, the flat reverse lacquered black, fitted wood stand

There are typical age cracks and flaking to the lacquer. There has been repainting to the edges, especially the foot and the mouth.
"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."

The powerful decoration of dragons flying amidst swirling clouds, is similarly articulated to the decoration of sea dragons writhing amidst raging crashing waves, on a rectangular box and cover from the Qing court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Lacquer Wares of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 2006, pp.16-17, pl. 9. For a Qianlong period cinnabar lacquer wall vase sold at auction, see the example carved with the Eight Buddhist Emblems, sold in our Paris rooms, 10th June 2014, lot 229, from the collection of Professor Paul-Louis Mercanton.