AN EXTREMELY RARE IMPERIAL AMBER-INLAID GILT-BRONZE HEXAGONAL BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, KANGXI / YONGZHENG PERIOD

the flat cover set with a large hexagonal cushion panel finely carved in low-relief with a ferocious five-clawed scaly dragon encircling a shou character, encircled by six smaller trapezoidal and cushioned amber panels carved with a stylised dragon, the square sides of the cover and box similarly decorated with rectangular panels all set within chased and ring-punched gilt bands simulating rope-twist, the interior lined with yellow silk

One of the plaques on the box has been broken and restuck together (re-inserted upside-down). There is some wear to the yellow silk lining on the interior. The carving on the plaques remain in very good condition.
"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."

Due to the beneficial properties amber is believed to possess, it is a highly valued material, small carvings of which were created as talismans; however no related box appears to have been published. This box is impressive for its ornately carved imperial five-clawed dragon and scrolling clouds surrounding the central shou character, the swirling forms of which enhance the magic quality of the cloudy material.

Burmese amber, or burmite, has been known to Chinese craftsmen from as early as the Han dynasty (206BC – AD220) and was transported from Myanmar, formerly Burma, through Yunnan Province. Later, Baltic amber was imported via the Mediterranean and India. Amber is known as hu po, meaning 'soul of the tiger', as it was held that when a tiger died its soul penetrated into the earth to become a stone. Thus amber was regarded as a symbol of courage and to possess many of the strong qualities of the tiger. Furthermore, it is also associated with endurance and longevity as Chinese writers associated amber with the resin of the pine tree.

The medicinal properties of amber also contributed towards its popularity throughout Chinese history. It is believed to help the body heal itself, absorb and transmute negative into positive energy, as well as being effective for detoxification and to protect from radiation.