18TH CENTURY

Details

AN UNUSUAL LARGE IVORY-INSET CARVED THREE-COLOR LACQUER CIRCULAR BOX AND COVER
18TH CENTURY
The top carved through the red and dark green layers to the ochre ground with a large quadrilobed medallion formed by eight conjoined ruyi heads that enclose a central reticulated ivory roundel carved as dragon scroll and four other similar ivory roundels, each encircled by a ruyi border and surrounded by bats and ruyi-shaped clouds, all within an outer field carved with fruiting branches of peaches, pomegranates and finger citrons (sanduo) interspersed with flower sprigs, the sides of the cover and the box with a border of shou medallions and a band of the bajixiang separated by flower sprays, the interior and base covered in black lacquer
14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) diam.

Provenance

Acquired prior to 1970.

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

It is extremely unusual to find lacquer boxes inlaid with ivory, and no other examples appear to have been published. However, the symbolism on the present lot is especially auspicious. The three types of fruiting branches of peaches, pomegranates and finger citron combined form the 'Three Abundances', sanduo, and together with the bats they form the rebus fushou sanduo and symbolise the wish for numerous sons, a long life and blessings.

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