Lot 47. A carved two-colour lacquer box and cover, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century; 16.5cm., 6 1/2 in. Estimate 25,000 — 30,000 GBP. Lot sold 32,500 GBP. © Sotheby's

finely carved in imitation of bound books fastened with clasps at the sides, the shorter sides of the box overlaid with bone to simulate the pages of the books carried within, the cover of the box intricately carved with a riverside landscape with jagged mountains and distant figures, all reserved on a green lacquer wandiaper ground, the long sides of the box and cover similarly decorated with narcissus, peony, chrysanthemum and lotus, the interior and base lacquered black.

Provenance: Christie’s Hong Kong, 31st October 2000, lot 1012.