A VERY RARE LARGE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER BOX AND COVER

细节

A VERY RARE LARGE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER BOX AND COVER
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The ruyi-shaped cover intricately carved in relief on the flat top surface with five bats in flight amidst lush fruiting and flowering sprays, including peach, pomegranate, lychee, grape, finger citron, persimmon, gourd, lotus, prunus and peony, among others, enclosed within a narrow band of alternating bats and shou roundels, the lobed vertical sides of the cover with rectangular panels depicting bats amidst combinations of fruit and flowers on a dense leafy ground, all against various diapers, the box of conforming ruyi shape, incised, painted and gilt on the sides with stylised floral scrolls, and raised on six low feet carved with archaistic scrollwork, the interior and base with black lacquer
18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm.) wide

拍品专文

The present box is exceptional for its large size, intricately carved decoration and unusual shape, with no other box like it recorded. The decoration encompasses a myriad of auspicious meanings, suggesting that it might have been made for a birthday or a similar special occasion, and because of its rarity, it is also likely that the box was commissioned specially.

The shape of the box is that of a ruyi, which means 'as you wish', thus a suitable image for a birthday. The birthday wishes are reinforced by the longevity symbols on the border, the central peach spray and the five bats on the cover which represent the Five Blessings of happiness, health, wealth, the love of virtue and a peaceful death. Among the other fruits and flowers depicted, the finger citron symbolises wealth, the gourd and pomegranate progeny, the lotus purity, and the peony represents Spring as well as wealth and rank.