A CHINESE MOTHER-OF-PEARL-INLAID LACQUER BOX AND COVER Ming Dynasty, early 15th Century The rectangular body and cover coated with black lacquer, the cover inlaid with four figures on a riverbank beneath a weeping willow, with mountain peaks stretching into the distance, all within a thick geometric border divided from the main image by a double wire, the sides with flower heads and scrolling feathery foliage against a diaper ground, 38.5cm high, 26cm long, 9cm deep (2) Provenance : Sydney L. Moss [label], John Hilliard collection 明十五世紀 黑漆嵌螺鈿人物山水圖紋長方蓋盒 來源： 約翰·希利亞德收藏; 悉尼·L·莫斯（標籤）。 Note: The use of shell inlay as an artistic medium in Chinese art went through several stages of development during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, with the craftsmen of the latter working wafer-thin shells to create more complex pictorial scenes, depicting figures with recognisable facial expressions, as well as architectural and natural details. This medium was further refined during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), and was popular with wealthy families, decorating household items such as stacking boxes, trays and writing boxes similar to the present lot.