Round covered box in cinnabar-red lacquer decorated with fig - Lot 196

Round covered box in cinnabar-red lacquer decorated with figures, lotuses, bats and peaches, China, late 18th - early 19th century Carved on the lid, in a medallion surrounded by a Greek frieze, a seated figure leaning against the balustrade of an open pavilion on the edge of a pond, contemplating lotus leaves and flowers on the surface of the water. On the other bank, three children stand on a terrace, also observing the lotuses on the water. Around them, a landscape of pines, wutong and rocks, topped in the distance by mountains beneath the clouds. The edges of the lid and base are carved with peaches in pairs with foliage, bats in flight and peach blossoms. The heel is adorned with a Greek frieze, the underside is black lacquered and the interior gold lacquered. Diameter: 24 cm A few minor accidents. The bat is a symbol of good omen, the words "bat" and "happiness" being pronounced the same fu - 福 . The peach symbolizes long life. The association of peaches and bats thus signifies a wish for "happiness and long life".