Bidspirit auction | An Early 20th Century Chinese

An Early 20th Century Chinese Black Lacquer Sweetmeat Box - A circular lidded sweetmeat box, traditionally known as a quan he, constructed from wood with a polished black lacquer finish. The box consists of three parts: a deep circular base, a removable internal seven-section divider tray with a central circular well, and a slightly domed overlapping lid. The top of the lid is hand-painted with a traditional Chinese Hundred Boys motif, depicting five boys playing in a garden setting amongst stylized trees and rockwork. One figure is shown holding a branch of flowering blossom. The scene is enclosed by a simple gilt-line border. The vertical rim of the lid is decorated with red and brown cloud scrolls, and the exterior of the base features alternating floral sprays with red flowers and green foliage. The interior of the box and tray are also finished in black lacquer. No maker's marks, reign marks, or labels are visible on the components. Diameter: 25 cm.