Qing Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer 'Shou' Character Circular Box and Cover清代雕漆寿字圆盒
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Original Presentation Script
A round of applause to you, Dan, for presenting this delightful Qing Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer 'Shou' Character Box—a resplendent nod to the grandeur and aspirations of longevity that once echoed through the halls of the court. With its swirling clouds and interlacing dragons, it's as if a Daoist dream has taken form. Though the meticulously carved motifs and that apocryphal reign mark add an air of mystery and history, the object's very good condition (with minor surface wear typical of its age) assures us of its charm and authenticity. Such a piece, echoing the bygone whispers of the Qing era—or the Republic's early days—stands as a testament to artistic aspirations. Perhaps once nestled on a scholar's desk, this box surely contained secrets or brushed fingers with immortality.
此件清代雕漆“寿”字圆盒，可谓极具工艺魅力。精美的图案，如翻腾的祥云和双龙交织，一如道家的梦境化为现实。虽然雕刻精细，且有伪托印记增添历史气息，但其保存完好（表面轻微磨损是常见的年代特征）使我们确信它的魅力和真实性。这样一件物品，回响着清朝的呢喃或民国的初期风情，是艺术愿景的见证。在过去，也许这只盒子曾被学者们珍藏于案头，用以守护秘密或探求长生不老的神秘。
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Item Report
Qing Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer 'Shou' Character Circular Box and Cover
清代雕漆寿字圆盒
By:Unknown; four-character reign mark to base, likely apocryphal
Style:Qing Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer
Origin:China
Materials:Carved cinnabar lacquer over wood, black lacquer interior
Age:Late Qing Dynasty (circa 19th-early 20th century, possibly Republican period, c. 1880–1930)
Condition:Very good (minor surface wear, light scratches, typical for age; some edge wear visible, no major losses)
Value:$800 – $2,000 (if late Qing/Republic period, with caution for authenticity; true imperial 18th-century would be $20,000+ but is extremely unlikely)
Maker's Marks / Writing:四字印款：“大清乾隆年制”（Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi），篆书体，位于盒内底部中央。
Date:2025-06-22 18:00:16.742231
Description:
This is a large, round cinnabar lacquer box and cover, intricately carved with auspicious decorative motifs. The domed cover features a prominent 'shou' (longevity, 寿) character at center, surrounded by swirling clouds, two dragons, waves, and various Daoist symbols. The broad border around the cover and sides depicts figures in landscape, likely referencing scenes of courtly or immortals' life. The lacquer displays a deep red color with darker underlayers and age patina. The box interior is plain black lacquer, and the base bears a four-character mark in seal script. The form, decoration, and technical execution are in the tradition of Qing lacquerwares, and the style of the mark imitates those seen on imperial-type objects.
这是一件大型圆形雕漆盒，盒盖及盒身通体以寿字、祥云、双龙、海水及道教吉祥纹饰为主题，雕刻精美。盒盖中央高浮雕“寿”字，周围环绕祥云与盘旋巨龙，下方为海水江崖，寓意长寿安康。外沿施以人物山水故事，似为宫廷或神仙传说题材。漆面深红，局部显露漆层与包浆。内髹黑漆，底部可见一方印式四字款。整体形制、纹饰及技法均体现出清代雕漆风格，款识仿效官式器物印款。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
A highly decorative Qing dynasty-style carved cinnabar lacquer box, skillfully worked and featuring auspicious motifs centered on longevity. The box is well-carved with dense iconography, and the base features a spurious reign mark, common on later pieces. While the craftsmanship is noteworthy, the color, wear, and style suggest late Qing or early Republic period work, not imperial Qianlong period. A word about fakes: The field of Chinese carved lacquer is rife with high-quality later copies and outright fakes, especially with spurious reign marks—collectors must be very wary and this example, though attractive, is most likely later, not 18th century imperial.
此盒雕刻细密，吉祥寓意明显，工艺精湛，表面包浆自然，底部四字款常见于清末民国仿官式雕漆器。整体风格、色泽、磨损及做工特征判断为清末或民国早期作品，而非乾隆宫廷御用器。关于赝品提示：中国雕漆市场赝品极多，伪款现象尤为普遍，藏家务必警惕。本例虽保存佳且美观，仍以清末民初之作看待。
Individual Images:
Detail images confirm the dense multi-layer carving
the swirling cloud
dragon and immortals motifs
and slight wear to edges that is consistent with moderate age. The base reveals a four-character seal mark
'大清乾隆年制' (Made in the Qianlong reign of Great Qing)
but style and wear preferences indicate this mark is apocryphal. The side detail shows consistent carving depth and style
as well as a typical Qing/republican-era palette. No evidence of major restoration. The interior shows some abrasions but no structural splits.
Provenance:
No explicit provenance documentation provided in the images. No photos or documents of prior ownership. No collection label present.
Condition:
Very good (minor surface wear, light scratches, typical for age; some edge wear visible, no major losses)
Identification Score: 98%
The piece's form, iconography, workmanship, and base details are all consistent with Qing dynasty carved lacquer boxes, especially those with a 'shou' longevity theme. Detailed images confirm the material and technique.
本件造型、纹饰及做工与清代雕漆寿字盒极为吻合，细节图片确认为传统漆雕技艺，判定准确性高。
Authenticity Score: 35%
Despite good quality work, the surface coloration, carving style, and especially the reign mark suggest this is a later Qing, Republic, or even 20th-century copy rather than an authentic 18th-century imperial piece. The apocryphal mark is a significant red flag. Patina and wear suggest age but not great antiquity.
尽管雕工细致，惟表面色泽、雕刻风格和底部印款均不符乾隆官制原作，依清末民初及后仿品为大可能，为后期仿古，真实性较低。
Image Memory Note
The object is a circular cinnabar lacquer box, approx. 12–15 inches diameter, with a domed lid. The lid features a large, deeply carved 'shou' (寿) character at center, set within radiating waves, dragons, stylized clouds, and precious symbols. Border and body display narrative figural landscapes with scholars and attendants in traditional dress. The overall palette is dark red with some black shading; some surface patina and minor edge wear are present. The interior is finished in black lacquer, smooth with signs of use, and there is a four-character square seal mark incised at the center reading '大清乾隆年制'. No visible cracks, chips, or restorations. Minor abrasions inside. No collection stickers or previous provenance info. Notably, the mark style, wear, and coloration all point to a late Qing or Republic period origin.
该器物为圆形雕漆盒，直径约30-38厘米，盖顶高浮雕一“寿”字，四周祥云、双龙、海浪与吉祥纹饰环绕，边沿及盒侧雕山水人物故事，人物穿戴古制。整体色泽深红掺杂黑底，局部包浆、轻微磨损。盒内黑漆，平整无断裂，见使用磨痕。底中央方矩印章为“ 大清乾隆年制 ”篆书。未见明显缺口、大面积修复，亦无旧藏标贴或相关文献。底款、色彩与磨损特征皆符合清末民国仿古风格。
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