明末 黄花梨畫匣

of rectangular section, the cover constructed with two matched board tongue-and-grooved to the four straight sides with two transverse dovetailed stretchers on the interior, a ruyi-shaped baitong mount set flush at each of the four corners with further baitong mounts extending downward along the edges of the cover and box, the body of the chest constructed with a bottom panel tongue-and-grooved to the straight sides and supported by two dovetailed braces underneath, the cover hinged on the reverse of the chest with two inlaid rectangular strap hinges, the front inlaid with a rectangular metal plate with lock receptacles and a lobed ruyi-shaped lift-up hasp, the sides of the box flanked by a pair of 'U'-shaped metal loop handles suspending from lobed plates

嘉木堂，《嘉木堂中國家具精萃展》，香港，1995年，頁67

Overall good condition with just typical age cracks as expected. There are general bruises and cracks as expected. The metalwork is possibly replaced.
"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."

畫匣數量非常稀少。設計相似的傳世例子，大小相仿高度較高者為衣箱而非畫匣。

對照此具與明朝附圖百科全書《三才圖會》中所列之畫匣圖例，見明王思義，《三才圖會》，上海，1985年，頁1332。

箱蓋四面打槽嵌裝兩板木紋對稱的蓋頂，四角平鑲如意雲頭的白銅飾。立牆四角亦鑲入白銅葉片包裹加固。內部蓋頂下裝二根穿帶出梢支承。箱身亦以相同造法接合，底部內打槽嵌裝底板，下有二根穿帶出梢支承。正面平鑲一長方形面葉，拍子作雲頭形，開口容納鈕頭。兩側各安二枚花形面葉及弧形提環，背面鑲兩只長方形合葉。所有銅活皆為白銅製。