19TH-20TH CENTURY

Details

A CARVED HONGMU 'DRAGON' COFFER
19TH-20TH CENTURY
The top panel is of rectangular shape with everted ends above a row of three drawers and a pair of hinged doors. The doors, drawers, side spandrels and aprons are all elaborately carved with dragons chasing the flaming pearl amongst clouds and above waves and rocks, all raised on four legs.
62 3/8 in. x 17 ¾ in. x 34 ½ in. (158.5 cm. x 45 cm. x 87.5 cm.)

Provenance

Collection of Henning Haslund-Christensen (1896-1948), acquired in Asia between 1923 and 1948, then by descent within the family.

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. Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a filled square ( ¦ ) not collected from Christie’s, 8 King Street, London SW1Y 6QT by 5.00pm on the day of the sale will, at our option, be removed to Crozier Park Royal (details below). Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite.If the lot is transferred to Crozier Park Royal, it will be available for collection from 12.00pm on the second business day following the sale.Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Crozier Park Royal. All collections from Crozier Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only.Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com.If the lot remains at Christie’s, 8 King Street, it will be available for collection on any working day (not weekends) from 9.00am to 5.00pm

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Kate Hunt Director, Head of Department

khunt@christies.com +44 (0) 20 7752 3389

Lot Essay

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.

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