Lot 43
43
AN UNUSUAL JADE-INSET ZITAN SCROLL-FORM BOX AND COVER

Details
AN UNUSUAL JADE-INSET ZITAN SCROLL-FORM BOX AND COVER
18TH CENTURY

Cleverly carved as three handscrolls stacked in triangular formation, set with white jade and stained wood details in imitation of paper, cord and ivory, the exterior of the scrolls carved in low relief with an allover flowerhead diaper in imitation of a brocade mount, the silk-lined box of two sections, each containing fitted cloth mounts for the display of four archaistic jades, the jades consisting of white and russet-stained pendants and beads including an oblong bead, a fish and two dragons, some losses--9 1/8 in. (23.2cm.) long x 3 5/8 in. (9.3cm.) high

Lot Essay

Compare a similar zitan box formed as a group of scrolls sold with a zitan and hardwood display cabinet in these rooms November 29, 1978, lot 78. See also the elaborate cinnabar lacquer box in the shape of scrolls and books illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, no. 40