AN EXPORT IVORY NEEDLEWORK SEWING-BOX AND COVER
FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY
The hinged rectangular cover deeply carved with many figures walking, seated in boats and riding horses amongst terraces, pavilions and canals with trees and pagodas within a floral border and a bamboo-shaped rim, the sides of the box and cover similarly carved, the lower half comprising a drawer, the locks set in shaped floral panels, two metal handles, the interior compartmented and with a needle container and accessories for needlework
8 1/4 x 12 x 4 3/4in. (21 x 30.5 x 12cm.)
Lot Essay
Cf. an octagonal ivory sewing box deeply carved with similar scenes included in the exhibition at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chinese Ivories from the Kwan Collection, Catalogue, 1990, no. 178.