An imperial cinnabar lacquer cup. Qianlong

the deep U-shaped body rising from a short narrow foot to a flaring rim, finely and deeply carved around the exterior through the red lacquer layers to a black ground with eight lanca characters amidst leafy lotus strapwork panels and above a lotus-lappet band, the interior with a gilt-bronze liner. 13.5cm., 5 3/8 in. Est. 15,000—20,000 GBP. Lot Sold 18,750 GBP

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. 13 May 09. London www.sothebys.com