A BLACK SOAPSTONE BOX AND COVER LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular section, the cover carved in low relief with naturalistic lotus flowers borne on bowed stems bending towards a central bud, the background with lotus leaves and meticulously incised swirling waters, similarly carved around the sides with further lotus flowers between leaves and curving stems, all above a straight border above the base, the box with a raised lip for receiving the cover, the interior of the cover subtly incised with the studio name Gongyoutang (‘Hall of Respectful Friendship’)

Knapton and Rasti Ltd., London, March 2008.