CHINA - YONGZHENG period (1723 - 1735) - Lot 243

CHINA - YONGZHENG period (1723 - 1735) Round-shaped box in brown, red, black, silver and gold 'shiwen' lacquer, the lid decorated with a 'shou' (longevity) character in a lotus surrounded by five bats in a lotus made of ruyi, the rim of the lid decorated with flowers and foliage, the sides decorated with the eight auspicious symbols (ashtamangala): double fish, conch, banner, jar, endless knot, parasol, wheel of law and vase; alternating with lotus branches, peonies, lingzhi, hibiscus, the lower part of the belly adorned with auspicious symbols and scholar's objects alternating with peaches, belles de jour, chrysanthemums and peonies. The interior imitates nashiji lacquer, with eight compartments decorated with peach branches in the center and pomegranate, Buddha's hand, peonies, chrysanthemums, lotus and plum on the sides. Diam. 41.8 cm (restorations, wear, cracks, chips, deformed compartment) Reference: A similarly decorated box published in The complete collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. Lacquer ware of the Qing dynasty, p.190, pl. 142.