Lot 345. A carved red lacquer rectangular box and cover, Jiajing six-character incised and gilded mark and of the period (1522-1566); 26 in. (66 cm.) high. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 157,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008.

The top finely carved with two birds, one perched on a branch of flowering and fruiting pomegranate, the other on another flowering branch, the branches emerging from around a pierced rock, with further flowering branches on the sides of the cover and box, all reserved on a star diaper ground, interior and base lacquered black and fitted with a removable tray, the gilt-filled mark inscribed on the base, Japanese wood box.