A LARGE JICHIMU FAN BOX QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, comprising of five stacked shallow trays, each divided into five long narrow walled compartments by four dividers, set with a thin sliding cover, the characteristic 'feathered' grain of the wood present throughout beneath a rich dark-brown patina

The overall condition is very good. All the dividers and base of each layer is made of jichimu. They appear to be original. Some of the bases are made of 3 pieces of wood, while others are made of a single piece or two pieces. All the loose joinery has been reinforced with glue. The scratches are all just superficial.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The rarity of the present jichimu box lies in its function to contain a collection of folding fans. Folding fans were especially favoured by the scholar class, not only as a functional tool to keep cool in the summer months, but also as a vehicle for their painting and calligraphy. The present lot can hold a minimum of 25 fans, but could probably hold quite a few more due to its unusually large size.

Jichimu which in Chinese means 'chicken-wing wood' belongs to the hardwood family with two known species, the lao (old) and the xin (new) jichimu.  The old jichimu was used for making furniture during the Ming Dynasty to the early Qing, however, it is rarely seen from the mid-Qing period onwards. It has a fine grain pattern of alternating dark brown and grey lines, and when cut vertically it shows a flecked pattern that is especially beautiful and fine, resembling bird feathers.