Lot 182. A carved three-colour lacquer 'chun' circular box and cover, Qianlong period (1736-1795); 11 ¾ in. (29.8 cm.) diam. Estimate GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000 (USD 104,560 - USD 130,700). © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

The centre of the cover is finely carved through the red, dark green and ochre layers with a large chun (spring) character incorporating a roundel of Shoulao and a deer flanked by two dragons emerging from clouds above multi-coloured rays radiating from a basket of auspicious symbols. The sides of the box and cover are decorated with cartouches of scholars and attendants at various pursuits alternating with auspicious emblems reserved on a diaper ground, all within decorative scrolling borders. 

Note: These impressive and exquisite lacquer 'chun' boxes made during the Qianlong reign were inspired by those made for the Ming dynasty emperor Jiajing (1522-1566), such as the one exhibited by the Hong Kong O.C.S. in 2000 Years of Chinese Lacquer, Art Gallery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 24 September - 21 November 1993, pp. 120-1, no. 61. The Jiajing emperor was a devout Daoist, which gives rise to the imagery presented on these boxes - the bowl of precious objects, the roundel of Shoulao, the God of Longevity, and the large chun character. When pictured together this gives the rebus wanshou changchun, which may be translated as 'ten thousand birthdays and endless spring', which is a wish for longevity and continuous renewal. 

These boxes were so admired by the Qianlong Emperor that he ordered many versions during his reign. Given their auspicious nature, they were used to hold food presented as a ceremonial gift at the lunar new year or for birthdays.