A SMALL INLAID ZITAN CIRCULAR INCENSE BOX AND COVER SCHOOL OF ZHOU ZHU, YANGZHOU, LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

of circular form, the sides tapering in at the base towards the low circular footrim, with slightly raised band around rims of the box and cover, the domed cover embellished with a verdant branch bearing clusters of lychee, each carved with a diapered ground, rendered in malachite, soapstone and mother-of-pearl

Sotheby’s Olympia, 17th July 2003, lot 433.
Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London.

The box and cover are in overall good condition with expected light surface wear and flakes to the edges, including the foot and rims (the largest measuring 0.4 cm to the footrim). There are also small flakes and losses to the inlays. The colour of the wood is a more attractive brown than in the catalogue photo where it is reddish brown.
"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 exquisite box is possibly one of the smallest of a group of inlaid wooden boxes that was pioneered in the mid-Ming dynasty and continued into the Qing. The complex inlaying technique has been produced in the style of master carver, Zhou Zhu, who also developed this style of inlay. Known for his many talents, Zhou’s works are distinguished by the use of a broad range of materials and the complexity of the inlay itself that created three-dimensional designs with an eye-catching effect. Although the impeccable artistry and technical quality of this box, as well as the use of figured malachite, would suggest a Zhou Zhu attribution, it is perhaps more likely that as he inspired a centuries-long tradition of such wares this box is the product of a skilled Yangzhou artist working in the local style originally inspired by Zhou. For a detailed discussion on Zhou Zhu and comparable examples, see the note to lot 88 in this sale.