Lot 2934. A blue and white 'Cranes' box and cover with figures, mark and period of Wanli (1573-1620); 19 cm., 7 1/2 in. Estimate 100,000 — 150,000 HKD. Lot sold 100,000 HKD (15,233 EUR) (24,073 USD). Courtesy Sotheby's 2008.

the domed cover painted with an official seated on a throne surrounded by his attendants while receiving two other officials, the sides of the cover and box each painted with four quatrefoil panels enclosing birds, butterflies and peaches, bound on the rim with 'cash' circles on a floral diaper ground, the base inscribed in underglaze-blue with a six-character mark.

Provenance: Formerly in a Japanese Collection. 

Note: Wanli box with the same scene is illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, cat.no. 731.  See also a similar round Wanli box with the 'Hundred Boys' sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2007, lot 760.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 11 Apr 2008