Lot 3390. A carved cinnabar lacquer 'Swallow and Apricot' box and cover, Ming dynasty, 16th century; 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 400,000 - HKD 600,000. Price realised HKD 225,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2014. 

The rectangular cover is carved with a swallow perched on a flowering apricot branch amidst apricot blossoms, the sides of the cover and box carved with further apricot flowers and leaves, all against a diamond-diaper ground enclosing florettes. The base is incised with a later added Jiajing reign mark., Japanese wood box.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 26 November 2014