Lot 3156. A rare large carved cinnabar-lacquer box and cover, Qing dynasty, 18th century; 45 cm., 17 3/4 in. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000 HKD. Lot Sold 680,000 HKD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of circular form, the flat top of the cover deeply carved with a xi  (happiness) medallion in the centre encircled with sixteen peony flower heads borne on a dense foliate scroll, bordered with a key-fret band, the rounded sides carved with lotus flowers, each on a leafy scroll below a band of bats, the rim with further key-fret, the rounded base similarly carved with a different variety of lotus on a foliate, all reserved on a dense key-fret diaper ground, the base laquered in brown and  the interior lacquered in gilt.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 april 2011