A CHINESE CINNABAR LACQUER TIERED BOX AND COVER Ming Dynasty, early to mid-15th century 明 剔紅士大夫圖紋四層蓋盒 The square-section body surmounted by a cover carved with a figurative scene depicting a scholar at ease in the shade of a pine tree, engaged in conversation with the acolyte below him on the banks of the river, the water dotted with small fish leaping from the lapping waves as a crane flies overhead, the sides carved with various blossoms set against dense leafy grounds, the protruding foot rim with ruyi head feet and a shaped apron, the interior and base lacquered black, 12.7cm high (5) - PROVENANCE: European Private Collection of a Gentleman