明末 / 清初 紫檀木小箱子

紫檀木小箱子，全身光素，蓋與箱身接觸面上起闊陽線，加厚子口，讓箱子更耐用，亦起裝飾作用。正面白銅圓形面頁除裝飾用途外，也能夠保護箱身受拍字撞擊。

嘉木堂，《紫檀家具精選展》，香港，1999年，頁 44 – 45

The box is in overall good condition with general surface wear. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are small bruises and cracks.
"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."

現例小箱設計，與典型的大衣箱無異。有稱此類箱具為文件箱，但實際功用十分廣泛，包括儲放文件，印璽，貴重物品如珠寶，現鈔以及銀兩等。值得一提的是體積類似如此件的小箱，通常都附帶有提環，顯示其經常被移動攜帶使用。《水滸傳》“梁山泊分金大買市”一回插圖，描繪各路英雄拆伙分金時的情景中，可見多件大小箱子。

羅伯特．雅各布遜等，〈明尼阿波利斯藝術博物館藏中國古典家具〉，明尼阿波利斯，1999年，頁202 – 203載錄明尼阿波利斯藝術博物館藏的一具相似例子。