Qianlong period, Qing Dynasty
Diameter: 33cm

It is incised with gold period mark of three lines in a square frame. The lidded box has a solid ground of dark greenish lacquer interspersed with crushed mother-of-pearl. The inside of the lid is lacquered all over in black, also interspersed with crushed mother-of-pearl. The inside of the box and the underside is lacquered in black. On the underside, the Qianlong period mark is incised with regular script in three lines within a double frame. The incisions are filled in gold and form an elegant contrast with the dark ground. The piece recommends itself by sheer simplicity of line and the delicate beauty emanating from the use of the material - a rare gem among the solid coloured lacquerware made in the Imperial Household Workshop.