Box; China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.

Box; China, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
Red lacquer (cinnabar).
Presents restoration on the lid.
It has an apocryphal seal on the base "quianlong".
Measurements: 12 x 30 cm.
This red lacquer box, dating from the 19th century, is a testimony of the craftsmanship of the Qing dynasty. Its round format, larger than usual for this type of object, makes it a unique piece in the Chinese lacquerware tradition. The surface of the box is meticulously carved with intricate floral motifs, made with cinnabar-colored lacquer, a characteristic tone that not only stands out for its brilliance, but also for its symbolism. Cinnabar, known for its vibrant red, was used in the Qing dynasty both for its dazzling aesthetics and its association with longevity, fortune and prosperity, attributes that gave objects a high symbolic value.
During the 19th century, lacquer objects were in demand both in China and in international markets, where the high aristocracy and foreign buyers were attracted by the technical perfection and symbolic charge of such pieces. This piece offers a tangible link to the history of the Qing dynasty, a time of artistic and cultural splendor.