the circular cover carved through layers of cinnabar lacquer to an ochre ground with a central medallion enclosing the 'Eight Daoist Emblems' amid flower heads borne on meandering foliate scrolls, repeated on the sides, the box similarly decorated, the interior and base lacquered black, the base with a gilt-filled incised six-character mark in a vertical line(2)

The box with a loss to the lip (approx. .6 x 2.9 cm); a crack through the core at one side of the lip and rim (restoration worn); minor chips and flakes to the lip, rim, and footring; and typical age cracks to the lacquer. The cover with two cracks through the core near the rim, with minor associated losses; and typical age cracks and flakes to the lacquer.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a very similar cinnabar lacquer box and cover, also with a vertical reign mark to the center of the base, as well as four additional characters reading Baxian baohe (Eight Immortals treasure box), in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, 1985, pl. 356; and another, with just the Qianlong mark, was sold at Christie's New York, 22nd March 2007, lot 157.