Lot 3704. A very fine and rare blue and white 'lotus scrolls' seal box and cover, mark and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 7 cm., 2 3/4  in. Estimate 1,000,000 — 1,500,000 HKD. Lot sold 1,600,000 HKD (163,175 EUR). Photo Sotheby's.

of compressed globular form, the domed cover fluently painted in underglaze blue with five lotus blooms issuing from meandering foliate scrolls, the exterior of the box similarly decorated with scrolling lotus stems bearing four flowers, the countersunk base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a double circle.

Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1992, lot 116. 

Note: This charming box is notable for its finely executed lotus scroll, inspired by 15th-century underglaze-blue designs. It represents the Yongzheng Emperor’s passion for classic styles of the past and his insistence on outstanding quality. A larger unmarked box with a similarly rendered composite floral scroll and scroll borders encircling the rims was sold in these rooms, 29th April 1997, lot 624.  

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 october 2014