Item Report
Ming Dynasty Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Box and Cover
明代雕漆藏盒（盖盒）
By: Unknown (typical of Imperial workshops or skilled artisans in the late Ming period)
Style: Ming Dynasty Cinnabar Lacquer
Origin: China
Materials: Cinnabar lacquer over wood core, black lacquer interior
Age: circa 15th–16th century (Ming Dynasty)
Condition: Very Good (minor surface wear consistent with age; no major chips or repairs visible)
Value: $25,000–$50,000 (auction)
Maker's Marks / Writing: No visible maker’s mark or inscription.
Date: 2025-06-27 13:15:33.126935
Description:
A large, circular carved cinnabar lacquer box and cover from the Ming Dynasty, featuring deeply carved scenes of scholars in a riverside landscape with mountainous backdrop. The box’s exterior sides are adorned with floral panels set against a densely patterned ground, while the interior is plain black lacquer. The carving showcases classic Ming motifs and technical mastery characteristic of 15th–16th century lacquerwork. 一件大型圆形明代雕漆藏盒，带盖，盖面雕刻有江岸山水、文人雅士题材，背景为重山叠岭。外壁饰有花卉开光，衬以密集地纹，盒内为素黑漆。整体雕工精湛，展现出明代十五至十六世纪漆器的典型风格与技术特色。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is an impressive and well-crafted example of Ming Dynasty carved cinnabar lacquer, notable for the complexity and depth of its carving and the well-preserved condition of the lacquerwork. Such boxes were typically used for storing scholarly items or as luxury gifts. The style, form, and quality are consistent with high Ming lacquerwork. A word about fakes... The cinnabar lacquer market has many modern reproductions, but the detailed, deep carving, complex scenes, and age-appropriate wear of this box support a strong likelihood of period authenticity. 这是一件明代雕漆工艺的杰出代表，雕刻工艺复杂且层次分明，保存状态良好，是明代漆器的典型作品。此类藏盒多用于文房用品收纳或作为贵重礼品。样式、造型及工艺与明代中晚期漆器高度一致。关于赝品的说明：雕漆市场赝品甚多，但本品雕工细腻、层次深厚且有相应年代磨损，综合判断为明代真品可能性大。
Individual Images:
- Second image shows the box closed
- highlighting the continuous carving on body and lid and confirming snug
- original fit. Floral panels and a classic key-fret border along the foot rim are clearly visible. No visible restoration or damage to main motifs. The carving on all sides is deep and crisp
- with fine cross-hatched backgrounds typical of high-quality period pieces.
Provenance:
No provenance documents provided.
Condition:
Very Good (minor surface wear consistent with age; no major chips or repairs visible)
Identification Score: 95%
The distinctive form, motifs, carving style, and construction details align closely with documented Ming Dynasty cinnabar lacquer objects. The item’s size, composition, and technique support a confident identification. 该藏盒的器型、题材、雕刻风格及工艺细节与明代雕漆器物高度吻合，根据尺寸、用料及制造技艺，辨识度极高。
Authenticity Score: 80%
Surface wear, the depth of carving, complexity of the motif, and the quality of both lacquer and wood substrate are all consistent with late Ming originals. No clear signs of modern machine work or artificial aging, but direct examination and scientific testing are always advised for final confirmation. 表面磨损、雕刻深度与题材复杂度、漆质和木胎均与明代原作一致，未见现代机械加工或人为做旧痕迹；但最终建议通过实物鉴定和科学检测进一步确认。
Image Memory Note
The object is a large, round cinnabar lacquer box with a fitted lid. When open, the interior is seen to be finished in plain black lacquer. The exterior and lid are deeply carved: the main lid panel depicts a scholar or Immortal with attendants in a boat beneath trees and hills, within a circular cartouche. The body of the box and the sides of the lid each have four shaped panels featuring peony and chrysanthemum sprays, divided by auspicious symbols and geometric cross-hatching. The foot rim has a key-fret pattern. Lacquer carving is crisp, with slight rounding to high points from genuine wear. There are no visible marks, signatures, or dates. No cracks, losses, or major repairs seen; light age-appropriate wear is visible, especially to lid and base edges. 本品为大型圆形雕漆盒，带配盖。内壁为素黑漆。外壁及盖面深浮雕装饰：盖中心为文人或仙人与侍从泛舟于水岸树下山间，画面圆开光内。盒体及盖侧各雕四瓣形花卉开光（牡丹、菊花等），以吉祥纹饰及地子莲子地相隔。底足饰回纹带。雕工清晰，局部高点有历史磨损。未见铭文、款识或年代题记。整体无明显裂痕、缺失或修补，仅见盖沿和底部有与年代相符的使用磨损。
Keywords
Ming Dynasty, cinnabar lacquer, carved box, Chinese lacquer, Ming art, landscape, scholar's object, China 明代，雕漆，漆器盒，中国漆器，明代艺术，山水文人，文房用品，中国
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