Lot 39. A carved cinnabar lacquer 'Prunus' box and cover, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century; 4.8 cm., 1 7/8 in. Estimate 60,000 — 80,000 HKD. Lot sold 75,000 HKD. Photo Sotheby's

of circular form with gently rounded sides supported on a slightly recessed base, the fitted domed cover carved in deep relief with a flowering branch of prunus against a ground of finely incised waves, the interior and the base lacquered in black

Note: For a slightly larger 16th century cinnabar lacquer box in the British Museum, carved with birds amidst prunus, see Harry Garner, Chinese Lacquer, London, 1979, pl. 64. Another example decorated with prunus amidst clouds was sold in these rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 1939.

Sotheby's. The Baoyizhai Collection of Chinese Lacquer, Part 1, Hong Kong, 08 Apr 2014