Lot 3008. A rare carved cinnabar lacquer 'dragon' square box and cover, Wanli incised and gilt yiwei cyclical date, corresponding to 1595 and of the period; 11 1/2 in. (29 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000 (USD 76,989 - USD 102,652). Price realised HKD 2,000,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2019

The top of the cover is intricately carved through layers of lacquer to depict a five-clawed dragon supporting a roundel containing the characters tian xia tai ping (peace under heaven), surrounded by floral bands to the sides. The exterior of the box is similarly decorated with floral sprays, with an incised and gilt inscription to one side of the base reading da Ming Wanli yiwei nian zhi (made in the cyclical year of yiwei under the Wanli reign of the Great Ming).

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 27 November 2019