132 A very fine and large circular cinnabar lacquer box and cover supported on a ring foot. The cover is minutely carved with a medallion depicting scholars, all chatting happily or admiring the view, and their servants; they stand on raised terraces, one with a pagoda, beside a lake within a landscape of steep hills, from which trees, including pine, and other vegetation grow; a pair of deer and a pair of crane can also be seen; all beneath swirling clouds and on grounds of air, water and four different land diapers. The scene is set within a key-fret border and surrounded by a lotus lappet band. The sides of the box and cover are each carved with four shaped panels containing the Eight Buddhist Emblems amid scrolling lotus against a leiwen ground, all reserved against a floral diaper and interspersed with Precious Things. The foot ring is carved with a band of key-fret. The base and interior are lacquered black. Qianlong period Diameter: 15 1/4”, 39 cm For similar examples, see Chinese Lacquer in the Palace Museum Collection, no. 53; and Carved Lacquer in the Collection of the Palace Museum, nos. 291-2.