Los 164

A very rare and large Chinese cinnabar lacquer box. The domed circular cover carved in the center with a long coiling five-clawed dragon issuing clouds from its mouth forming a wispy shou character, all amidst further ruyi-head clouds and above waves crashing against rocks, the sides with a band of phoenix and cranes in flight and a further band of four shaped panels containing dragons, interspersed with the bajixiang against a diaper ground, the base similarly decorated, the interior and base lacquered black, together with a letter from Harry M. Garner dated 13 November 1975, in which he replies that in his view the box probably dates from the Jiajing period, China, Jiajing period (1522-1566) -H. 30,7; D. 39,4 cm, cracks and some old restoration- An identical box but with Jiajing mark was sold at Bonhams, London, 17 May 2018, lot 276