QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The highly auspicious decoration – the peach shape of the box, Shoulao and his crane, the twin fish, and the border of bats and stylized shou characters – are symbolic of longevity, good fortune, and happiness. The overall imagery conveyed is one that would suggest this box was made to commemorate a special birthday celebration, possibly commissioned by or for the emperor.
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A pair of peach-form lacquer boxes carved with a more commonly seen design of a chun (Spring) character flanked by dragons above a bowl filled with auspicious objects, was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29 May 2022, lot 2899.