A cinnabar lacquer box and cover. Qing dynasty, Qianlong period. photo Sotheby's

of circular form, the domed cover carved with a central floral medallion with various flowers and lingzhi fungus, encircled by sprigs of various flowers including peonies, prunus, chrysanthemum, and lotus, all reserved on a diaper ground and enclosed by a circular key-fret border with a band of lappets, the curved sides further decorated with various flowers and fruits including lychee, pomegranate, and melon - 21.2 cm., 8 1/4 in. Est. 150,000—200,000 HKD. Lot Sold 250,000 HKD

A pair of circular cinnabar lacquer boxes and covers. Qing dynasty, Qianlong period. photo Sotheby's

each of the central roundels of the domed covers carved in relief with a scholar and two attendants, underneath pine or willow trees in a balustraded pavilion overlooking rocky mountains, all reserved on a fine diaper ground, bordered with a band of peonies and foliage, with a similar band to the box encircling the recessed base densely decorated with a wan-diaper ground - 12.3 cm., 4 7/8 in. Est. 200,000—300,000 HKD. Lot Sold 250,000 HKD

Sotheby's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART. 08 Apr 10. Hong Kong www.sothebys.com