the circular box and cover vibrantly painted with colorful flower balls and small florets, all in famille-rose enamels against a crisp white ground, the cover centered with a large pink bloom, the box with a band of scrolls encircling the foot, the rims and foot ring gilt, the interior enameled turquoise, the base inscribed in black enamel with a four-character mark within a double square (2)

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

With a small patch of discolored old restoration to the cover measuring approx. 2.1 cm wide, and a smaller, re-glued area also to the cover. The cover exterior edge with a narrow sliver loss at the rim and the interior with two patches of in-painting and scratches. Overall with light wear. The enamels are bright.
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.

This charming box is notable for its painted motif of overlapping flower balls, which may derive from Japanese heraldic symbols. Compare a similarly painted Qianlong mark and period box and cover of globular form, from the Love Collection, sold at Christie’s New York, 20th September 2005, lot 122. Flower balls are also painted on three vases and three teapots in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in the Compendium of Collections in the Palace Museum. Enamels; Painted Enamels in the Qing Dynasty, vol. 5, Beijing, 2011, pls 57-59 and 112-114.