KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)

Details

A CHINESE GILT-DECORATED BROWN LACQUER WOOD CLOTHES TRUNK
Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Of rectangular form, finely decorated with two phoenixes in flight amidst blossoming branches of peony and prunus, the front with scene of officials at leisure and attendants in a lush rocky garden setting, the sides with five figures gazing at the moon from a rocky promontory, the back with a spray of blossoming lotus flanked by blossoming and fruiting branches of peony and peach, the interior lacquered in red, with baitong lockplates and handles
23½in. (59.6cm.) high, 47¾in. (121.3cm.) wide, 26¾in. (68cm.) deep

Lot Essay

Although classical Chinese furniture of the Ming and early Qing dynasties is generally thought of as being spare and simple, there was a concurrent, ornately decorated style as well. In contrast to the dense decoration on these clothes trunks, the general silhouette is quite restrained and elegant.

See a dated Wanli purple lacquer clothes chest decorated with gilt lotus and the 'eight precious objects' illustrated by Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Classical Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1990, vol. I, p. 94, vol. II, E19.

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