PROVENANCE:
Sotheby's New York, 19th March 2007, Lot 419

EXHIBITED:
Taiwan Antiques Dealers' Association 2002 Exhibition, Chang Foundation, Taiwan, p.95.

The box consists of two parts upper and lower. Painted on the surface of the cover with an image of A Scholar Visiting His Friends, with mountains in the distance in green lacquer, maple leaves and reeds in blue, red and white lacquer, all outlined with golden lacquer, displaying the complexity of the craftsmanship. The scholar riding on a horse is accompanied with two young entourages one in green garments holding plum blossoms while the other in red garments carrying wooden boxes, all depicted in fine details. Inside the cover four characters are inscribed with golden lacquer Chongzhen Sannian.

The bottom part of the lid features a complex and elegant design that is wider on top and more narrow below. There are peony flower patterns painted on all sides, beneath which is a belt of cloud-shaped, open frames. On each side are three curved legs with two feet in the centre. Above the frames and the base on the longer sides are flowers painted with gold accents. This exquisite and meticulous craftsmanship presents a sense of calm in connecting the eight feet together. Even as a case, it bears the air of Ming-style large-item furniture. Under the lid, there are six holes cut out to be used as cup holders, and there are painted grape vines which, in their sumptuousness, imbue the work with its auspicious significance.