A large Qiangjin and Tianqi "dragon" box and cover China, Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), Qianlong (1735 - 1796) The cover is decorated with a central full-face five-clawed dragon within a scalloped border decorated with key fret. Each of the twelve lobes of the cover encloses a dragon above a narrow border of bats and clouds, which is repeated on the box, and the lobes of the box enclose rocks amidst crashing waves. Lacquerware decorated with gold and intricate designs was highly prized by the imperial court and members of the elite. The dragon motif, with its connotations of imperial power, would have made this box and cover a particularly valuable possession. Such boxes were likely used to store precious items, such as jewelry, cosmetics, or writing implements. Provenance: French private collection - Galerie art asiatique, Marseille Height: 14 cm, , Diameter: 33 cm