18TH CENTURY

An imperially-inscribed zitan box and cover of similar size (18.5 x 29.5 cm.), also carved with dragons amidst clouds, but dated to the late Ming dynasty, in the Qing court collection, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - 44 - Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, p. 279, no. 224. It is interesting to note the close similarity in construction of both boxes, where the base is made from a thin sheet of zitan, which is then applied to the lower portion of the box.