明末至清初 黃花梨小箱子

of rectangular section, the cover and body constructed with straight sides with exposed dovetail joins, the sides completely plain save for a beaded edge along the rim, the cover hinged on the back of the chest, the front with a circular metal plate with lock receptacles and a lobed ruyi-shaped lift-up hasp, each side with a round handle and three metal plates, the lower one serving to protect the handle from knocking against the wall of the box

There are typical bruises and age cracks to the surface and extremities especially the fragile edges. The metal mounts have probably been replaced. There is also other general surface wear especially to the base.
"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."

此具箱子比一般小箱子體積較大。材美工良，採用木紋華美黃花木造。全身光素，蓋口及箱口起陽線。正面裝圓形銅面頁及雲頭形拍子，箱身與蓋四周邊以明榫燕尾榫接合，兩側裝弧形手提環，圓銅頁及護眼錢。護眼錢除裝飾用途外，也能夠保護箱身，免受提環撞擊。

現例箱子設計，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，包括收納文件、印璽、貴重物品如珠寶、現鈔以及銀兩等。值得一提的是體積不大類似如此件的箱子，通常都附帶有提環，顯示其經常被移動攜帶使用。