A SMALL ZITAN LOTUS LEAF-FORM BOX

QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

Details

A SMALL ZITAN LOTUS LEAF-FORM BOX
QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)
The cover is carved in high relief as the back of a lotus leaf borne on a stem, and with two crabs. The low sides of the conformingly lobed box are plain and raised on four shaped supports.
3 ½ in. (9 cm.) wide

Provenance

Private collection, Massachusetts, 1980s.

Brought to you by

Margaret Gristina (葛曼琪) Senior Specialist, VP

asianartny@christies.com +1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay

The juxtaposition of the crab (xie) and lotus (he), represents the rebus hexie, which means harmony. The crab's hard shell is represented by the word jia, meaning armor, which is a homophone for 'first'. This refers to achieving first place in the civil service examinations.

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