明末至清初 黃花梨雕人物鎏金銅件官皮箱

of rectangular form, constructed with straight sides resting on a slightly larger base with a stylised lotus lappet border, surmounted by a cover hinged on the back of the dressing case, the front with a pair of doors hinged to the sides with cusped and finely detailed gilt-bronze plates, embellished across the front doors and cover with a similarly cusped and detailed gilt-bronze plate with a lock receptacle and stylised ruyi-shaped hasp, above cusped plates and stylised pulls, the doors skillfully carved with scenes of figures and pavilions, possibly depicting the Queen Mother of the West and the King of the East seated amongst their celestial court officials, further rendered with deer and cranes, set with five drawers behind the doors, each with a gilt-bronze plate and pull, the sides of the dressing case flanked by a pair of stylised loop handles

《好古敏求：敏求精舍三十五週年紀念展》，香港藝術館，香港，1995-96年，頁300
弗利爾美術館及賽克勒美術館．史密森博物院，華盛頓，1997-2001年
伍嘉恩，《禪椅琴凳：攻玉山房藏明式黃花梨家具》，香港中文大學文物館，香港，1998年，頁182-183

伍嘉恩 ，〈經典明朝家具︰輕巧的袖珍寶〉，《東方藝術》，倫敦，1993年秋，頁51

Good overall condition with just minor bruising. Recently polished. Minor bruising, especially to the foot. As visible in the photo, it retains the impression of earlier metal mounts.
"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."

此官皮箱通體黃花梨作，色澤温潤如蜜。箱內的平屜及抽屜內牆、底部均用黃花梨木製，而不用官皮箱常見的柴木或鐵力木造，十分講究。兩門高浮雕樓閣人物，蓮瓣紋座框，都十分特別，似未見別例。鎏金銅活，在黃花梨家具也十分稀少。此具官皮箱精品，可能是宮廷御用監的作品。

此官皮箱兩開門雕樓閣人物，或為東王公、西王母各端坐椅上，各天官步立簇擁左右。西王母和東王公在道教被認為是天界主宰生死的大神，有通天本領。而門下方的鹿、鶴，是通往天界的瑞獸佳禽。