18TH/19TH CENTURY

細節

A THREE-TIERED ZITAN PICNIC BOX, TIHE
18TH/19TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, comprising a narrow cover and three trays, one with a smaller fitted inner tray, set on a base frame flanked by standing spandrels carved in the form of confronted chi dragons, joined at the top by a humpback handle, the cover, base frame, trays and handle reinforced by huangtong mounts formed as ruyi heads on each corner of the cover
9½ in. (22.9 cm.) high, 14 7/8 in. (37.8 cm.) wide, 6¾ in. (17.1 cm.) deep

拍品專文

Tiered boxes are documented as having been in use by the Song dynasty to hold food, drink and small objects during excursions. They come in a variety of sizes, including a particularly large size which required two people to carry. For a further discussion of these tiered boxes, see Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Hong Kong, 1990, vol. I, pp. 94-6.

A similar three-tiered box, also in zitan and with confronted dragon spandrels and ruyi-head mounts, but in baitong, was sold Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 28 October 1992, lot 273.