A CARVED HONGMU 'DRAGON' COFFER

Henning Haslund-Christensen was a Danish explorer who was part of Sven Hedin's bi-lateral Chinese/Swedish scientific expedition to the north and north-west of China from 1927-1935.

The coffer was used for holding and storing objects and became a popular form during the Ming dynasty. Coffers differ in form in the numbers of drawers they have, either one, two or three drawers, and also whether the top ends have everted flanges or not. Wang Shixiang discusses the history of the coffer in Chinese Furniture, Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Volume 1, Hong Kong, 1990, pp.92-93.

Special Notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
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Pre-Lot Text

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE SCANDANAVIAN COLLECTION