China. Of circular form, the domed cover carved with two boys at play framed by rockwork and a gnarled tree, the ground they stand on carved with a floral lozenge diaper and the sky with a geometric ground of concentric rectangles, the interiors and recessed base lacquered black.

Provenance: From the collection of Gerard Hawthorn, London, United Kingdom. In 1963, Gerard Hawthorn joined Sydney L. Moss Ltd. He later became an independent art dealer, assisting the world's leading collectors and museums in acquiring rare Chinese antiques. Additionally, he formed his own collection of Chinese art, especially bamboo and Yixing wares. Gerard Hawthorn is also the author of the catalog series 'Oriental Works of Art', which features fine works of art from China, Japan, and Korea.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear, the inner rim with few small nicks and chips, light surface scratches, and the cover with a thin hairline crack.

Weight: 115 g
Dimensions: Diameter 7.4 cm

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby's London, 3 November 2021, lot 30
Price: GBP 7,560 or approx. EUR 10,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small carved cinnabar lacquer box and cover, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and motif. Note the related size (6.8 cm).