Lot 4188. A carved cinnabar lacquer brush and cover, Ming dynasty, 16th century, 9 in. (22.8 cm.) long. Estimate HKD 60,000 - HKD 80,000. Price realised HKD 62,500 © Christie's Images Ltd 2012

The cylindrical shaft is carved with four quatrefoil panels enclosing figures including Shoulao relaxing in landscapes, below a band comprising four of the Babao, Eight Treasures, and below a register of upright lappets. The cover is similarly decorated with two landscape panels and a band of four of the Eight Treasures. The ends of the cover and shaft are adorned with floral diaper-ground, Japanese wood box. 

Provenance: A prominent Japanese collection formed in the 1930s 

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 30 May 2012, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall