QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A VERY RARE LARGE IMPERIAL CARVED THREE-COLOUR LACQUER STATIONERY CHEST
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
Of tall, rectangular form, the top carved through the red upper layer to the greenish-brown and ochre ground layers with a central blossom enclosed by small ruyi heads and a dense network of floral scroll, bats and wan emblems, all framed by archaistic scroll and key fret at the edge, repeated on the front, sides and back, enclosing similar designs of bats, chimes, peaches and wan emblems amidst a dense floral scroll, the top opening to reveal a removable painted lacquer tray with reticulated border, above eight drawers carved with further designs of leafy floral scroll, each drawer fitted with a small gilt-bronze pull cast as a floret centred by a yin-yang symbol, above the base carved with upward and downward lotus lappets, the whole raised on short tab feet and the gilt hardware finely cast with lotus scroll
17½ in. (44.5 cm.) high, 16¼ in. (41.3 cm.) wide, 13½ in. (34.3 cm.) deep

Provenance

David Kidd Collection (1926-1996), Kyoto, Japan, by repute.
Honeychurch Antiques, Seattle, Washington, 1989.

Brought to you by

Christopher Engle

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

cengle@christies.com +1 310 385 2628

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Various types of table chests exist, although the high quality of carving and craftsmanship seen on the present chest would suggest an imperial association. These chests are found in huanghuali, softwoods, and other materials, although the primary distinguishing factor between them appears to be the configuration of the interior. Those with mirror stands appear to have functioned as cosmetic chests, and those with interior trays, such as the present example, appear to have been used for stationery and writing implements. Few carved lacquer examples of this latter type appear to be published, although a Jiajing period polychrome incised lacquer chest is illustrated in Zhongguo Meishu Quanji: Gongyi Meishu Bian, Qiqi, vol. 8, Beijing, 1989, p. 135, no. 132.

The present chest is replete with auspicious symbolism. The bat (fu) and peach (tao) together form the rebus shoutao, or 'May you possess both blessings and longevity'. This wish is further strengthened by the addition of the wan emblems, which together with the bats form the rebus wanfu, or 'May you have ten thousand blessings.'

More from Fine Chinese Furniture From Private American Collections

View All