CHINE, DYNASTIE MING, MARQUE INCISÉE À SIX CARACTÈRES ET ÉPOQUE YONGLE (1402-1425)

Since the Tang and Song dynasties, peonies have become symbols of auspiciousness, happiness, and prosperity. The small incense box presented here bears a Yongle inscription that reads “Made during the reign of the Yongle emperor” (Da Ming Yongle nian zhi), suggesting it was likely crafted for the imperial court. For comparison, see a closely related red lacquer 'peony' box and cover, also marked with a Yongle inscription and from the same period, which is part of the Sada Family collection and was sold at Christie's Paris on June 20, 2017, as lot 1.