Bidspirit auction | Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period Carved

Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period Carved Polychrome Lacquer Square Box and Cover with Lotus Stand - Of slightly domed square form with indented corners, the cover finely carved through thick layers of cinnabar lacquer in varying relief with a central rectangular panel depicting an elegant garden scene: a scholar leaning on a balustrade gazing into the distance, accompanied by an attendant carrying a qin beneath towering pines, beside a pavilion, rockwork and swirling clouds. The sides and the original lotus-blossom stand are densely carved with lush scrolling lotus blooms and foliage reserved on a diaper ground, the carving crisp, fluid and richly detailed in the classic Qianlong “brocaded” style. The rich vermilion lacquer of exceptional depth and lustre, now mellowed to a warm oxblood tone with a soft, natural patina from handling. The interior and base lacquered in black, the base incised in regular script with the six-character mark Da Qing Qianlong nian zhi within a recessed panel. Complete with its beautifully carved original lotus stand, the interior precisely hollowed to receive the box, demonstrating the refined court taste of the period. A highly refined and characteristic example of Qianlong imperial carved lacquer for the scholar’s table.