H:8cm W:15.6cm Carved Red Lacquer Rectangular Covered Box with Chess Players Scene. Period: Mid to late Qing Dynasty. Material: Wood core with carved red lacquer (red exterior, black interior). Craftsmanship: The cover carved with scholars playing chess beneath pine trees; the body fully carved with scrolling peony motifs. Condition: Warm patina, slight wear and flaking at edges. Symbolism: Scholarly leisure, longevity and prosperity. Reference price: ¥40,000–70,000 / $5,500–9,600

Surface with warm natural patina, with slight wear and flaking at the edges and corners. Meaning: Conveys the literati ideal of leisure and refinement, together with blessings of longevity and prosperity. Reference Value: ?40,000?70,000 / $5,500?9,600. ??????? Condition: Minor lacquer loss.