QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Details

A VERY RARE IMPERIAL CARVED RED LACQUER 'NINE-DRAGON' PORTABLE CHEST
QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)
Of rectangular shape, the top and back are elaborately carved with two five-clawed, scaly dragons contesting a flaming pearl against a dense ground of turbulent waves within a panel surrounded by diaper pattern, and the ends are similarly carved with a single dragon. The detachable front panel, which is similarly decorated with a full-face dragon protecting the flaming pearl from two flanking, descending dragons, opens to reveal a central open compartment flanked by two compartments with hinged doors between two upper and one long lower drawer. The chest has two gilt-metal handles with ruyi-head terminals on top.
10¼ in. (26 cm.) high, 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm.) wide, 7 7/8 in. (20 cm.) deep

Provenance

Dr. Howard and Carolyn Balensweig, New York.
Weisbrod Chinese Art, New York, 1999.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

A number of Imperial carved red lacquer chests with multiple inner compartments, from the Qianlong period, have been published. An identical casket with inner drawers, and decorated with dragons within the panels, is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, Carving the Subtle Radiance of Colors: Treasured Lacquerware in the National Palace Museum, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2007, p. 147, no. 153.

More from Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

View All