QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The scene on the cover of the box depicts Yaochi, the ‘Turquoise Pond’, in the mythical Daoist paradise on Mount Kunlun. The composition of the scene with the Eight Immortals and Three Star Gods arriving as well-wishers to Xiwangmu, The Queen Mother of the West, in the upper corner can be found in various compositions and media. See a very similar scene on a kesi panel sold at Christie’s New York, 22 March 2007, lot 478.

The execution of the box in three colours of lacquer is a testament to the skill of the carver. The subject-matter of Immortals, in combination with precious objects and Buddhist symbols would have conveyed a very auspicious wish to the receiver.