A HUANGHUALI BOX LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular section, constructed with plain straight sides carved with a thin raised band along the rim, the cover hinged on the back of the chest, the front embellished with a rectangular metal lock plate, the sides flanked by a pair of angular metal loop handles suspending from floral roundels, the wood of an attractive golden-brown colour, the edges and corners of the chest decorated and reinforced with applied straight and cusped metal mounts

Grace Wu Bruce, Ming Furniture Through My Eyes, The Forbidden City Publishing House, Beijing, 2015, p. 275.

The box is in overall good condition with just minor pinhole bruises and pitting to the edges as visible in the catalogue photo. There is also oxidation to the metal mounts. Minor bruises and age cracks to the interior.
"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."

This small box is well made with highly figured, beautifully grained huanghuali wood, completely plain but for the beadings on the edges of the cover and the body. There is a square metal plate in front, and a lift-up hasp. The body and the cover is reinforced with metal mounts at the corners. On each side is a rectangular handle. The square and rectangular metalware here, as opposed to round ones normally found on boxes, give an impression of sturdiness, reinforced by their unusual thickness, making this box suitable for storing heavy weight treasures.

This classical design was used to fashion large storage chests for clothing as well as small boxes like the present example. Often called document boxes, the functions of these boxes are manifold, ranging from the storage of documents and seals to valuables like jewellery, cash and silver. It is interesting to note that boxes as small as these were all fitted with handles, indicating their association with frequent carriage.