Lot 336. A carved red lacquer circular incense box and cover, 16th century; 7.7cm diam. Estimate HK$ 50,000 - 80,000 (€4,800 - 7,700). Sold for HK$ 62,500 (€ 7,415). Photo courtesy Bonhams.

Of compressed globular shape with a recessed circular foot, carved through a thick layer of red lacquer with a gnarled tree issuing flowering prunus on a geometric ground, the base and interior lacquered black. 

Compare other circular lacquer boxes and covers dated to the Yongle period, in the Qing Court collection, Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Lacquer Wares of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2006, pp.70-77, no.48-54. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 14:00 CST