A RARE CHINESE CINNABAR LACQUER SQUARE-SECTION TREASURE BOX AND COVER

QIANLONG 1736-95

The four sides of the cinnabar lacquer cover carved with peony, prunus, lingzhi, rockwork and other plants against a finely incised geometric ground, with key fret to the edges, surmounted by a large lion dog resting a paw on her young, her eyes inset with shell discs, the box intricately decorated all over with fylfots, octagonal floral diaper and key fret, one side with a drawer and two doors which open to reveal a further drawer, the top of the box with a removable tray which holds four small square boxes and covers, each painted with a central flowerhead surrounded by scrolling lotus designs, all raised on a cinnabar lacquer base incised with a band of key fret, 36cm. (13)

Provenance: purchased from John Sparks Ltd on 26th July 1947 for £27, and thence by descent; a copy of the invoice is available.