Christie's. The Imperial Sale, Hong Kong, 30 May 2012
A rare famille rose lobed box and cover, Qianlong iron-red four-character seal mark within a square and of the period (1736-1795
Lot 3991. A rare famille rose lobed box and cover, Qianlong iron-red four-character seal mark within a square and of the period (1736-1795); 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) across. Estimate 350,000 - HKD 450,000. Price realised HKD 740,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012.
The lobed cover is delicately enamelled with a conforming panel of leafy flowers within interlocking ruyi borders, enclosing a central large blossom, all reserved on a yellow ground. The sides of the cover and box are decorated with gilt flower heads against a pale blue ground. The interiors and base are enamelled in turquoise, Japanese wood box.
Provenance: Yamanaka & Company Inc., New York, 1930s, by repute.
Note: Famille rose seal paste boxes were popular objects on the scholar's desk during the Qing dynasty, although the combination of the lobed form and the designs on the present lot appear to be unique. See related seal boxes made of different materials illustrated in Zhongguo wenfang sibao quanji, vol. 4, Wenfang qinggong, Zhongguo meishu fenlei quanji, Beijing, 2008, pp. 186-189, pls. 235-240.