LARGE TIXI BLACK AND CINNABAR LACQUER CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER
MING DYNASTY, 15TH-16TH CENTURY
明 剔犀如意雲紋圓蓋盒the cover carved through several very thin layers of alternating black and red lacquer in repeating ruyi scroll bands, the box similarly carved, the interior and base covered in dark reddish-brown lacquer 
22cm diameter; 653g 
From the collection of Commander Malcolm Stuart Leslie Burnett (1904-1984), Aberdeen. Stationed in Asia circa 1920s-1940s when serving in the Royal Navy working for the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). Thence by direct descent. 
A slightly larger but stylistically closely comparable large Tixi lacquer circular box and cover, 15th/16th century, was sold at Bonhams London, 15 May 2014, lot 431; Also see two related examples, both dated to Ming dynasty, one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 May 2012, lot 4225, and the other sold at Bonhams New York, 15 March 2021, lot 110.