Lot Essay
Lacquer zhadou with covers of this type appear to have been carved with various decorations, and have rims of various shapes. One carved with the sanduo and dated to the Qianlong period is illustrated by S. Kwan in Chinese Lacquer, Hong Kong, 2010, pp. 290-91, no. 103. Also illustrated, p. 290, is a photograph from the Sanxitang, in the Forbidden City, in which a similar zhadou and cover are shown. Another related example carved with flower scroll, dated 18th century, in the Shenyang Palace Museum, is illustrated by R. L. Thorpe in Son of Heaven: Imperial Arts of China, Seattle, 1988, p. 96, no. 28. See, also, two related zhadou and covers sold at Christie's New York, 22-23 March 2012, lot 1321, in three-color lacquer, and lot 1710, in red lacquer.