- 3504
A ZITAN TWO-TIER CARRY BOX LATE MING DYNASTY
Estimate
180,000 - 280,000 HKD
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Description
- Zitan (Pterocarpus santalinus)
all supported on a larger rectangular base frame, modelled with an openwork spandrelled upright rising from each short side to meet the humpback-shaped handle framing the two-tiered box and cover, the interior of the top tier with a shallow tray resting on its rim, the cover centred with an opening on each short side aligned with openings on the uprights for the metal rod securing the carry box in the base frame, the corners and edges with metal mounts and ruyi-shaped corner pieces
Exhibited
Grace Wu Bruce, Zitan Furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hong Kong Exhibition, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 46-47.
Grace Wu Bruce, Feast by a wine table reclining on a couch: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture III, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, pp. 188-189.
Grace Wu Bruce, Feast by a wine table reclining on a couch: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture III, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, pp. 188-189.
Condition
Good overall condition with just minor surface wear.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The design of these tiered carry boxes originated from food boxes made mostly of bamboo and lightweight woods for easy carriage. Attendants carrying them on outings are depicted in numerous Ming paintings and other illustrations.
This fine example, made in heavy and dense zitan wood with huanghuali wood insides, is likely to have derived from common food boxes. These pieces made with precious hard woods are heavy and not suitable for carriage and were used probably to contain valuables.
See a similar example, illustrated in Wang Shixiang and Curtis Evarts, Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, p. 145. For a further example, see Robert D. Jacobsen and Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, p. 199.
This fine example, made in heavy and dense zitan wood with huanghuali wood insides, is likely to have derived from common food boxes. These pieces made with precious hard woods are heavy and not suitable for carriage and were used probably to contain valuables.
See a similar example, illustrated in Wang Shixiang and Curtis Evarts, Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, p. 145. For a further example, see Robert D. Jacobsen and Nicholas Grindley, Classical Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, p. 199.