An important and rare gold lacquered box. Qianlong (1736-1795). Photo Czerny's

Consisting into two compartments, in the shape of a pomegranate with branch; black ground with exquisite gold lacquered decoration. At the gold-grounded upper surface a relieved decoration depicting a pomegranate branch with fruit and mantis religiosa. The inside decorated with a bird resting on a flowering branch on a side, branches of peach, grape and lingzhi on the other, both on Nashiji ground. Chips at the lacquer, worn. 37 cm. Estimate 25000.00 | 30000.00 €

Note: Similar objects, imitation of Japanese lacquers, produced at the middle of Qing dynasty, are extremely rare and little known because of their shortage on the market; however comparable examples are available in Palace Museum in Beijing. Ref: "The Complete Collection of the Treasures of the Palace Museum" page 200 n. 151. 

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