A RARE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER INCENSE HOLDER AND COVER

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A RARE CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER INCENSE HOLDER AND COVER
LATE MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

Of long, cylindrical form, finely carved through layers of deep red lacquer to the black horizontal diaper ground around the bamboo core with squirrels perched amongst leafy vines bearing bunches of grapes, a key-fret border encircling the base and a double band around the mouth, the bone stopper surmounted by a pearl finial
13½ in. (34.3 cm.) long, Japanese wood box

Lot Essay

The combination of squirrels and vines was used throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties but was particularly popular on late Ming and Kangxi ceramics. The large clusters of grapes and the fecundity associated with squirrels signify the wish for plentiful sons and grandsons.

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