Lot 25. A carved cinnabar lacquer box and cover, Jiajing mark and period (1522-1566); 14.5cm., 5 3/4 in. Estimate 3,000 — 4,000 GBP. Lot Sold 15,000 GBP. © Sotheby's

of rectangular form, finely carved overall with leafy lychee sprigs reserved on a floret-diaper ground, the interior and base lacquered black, the base incised and gilt with the six-character partially erased mark.

Provenance: An old Japanese Collection.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, London, 12 May 2010