A BAMBOO-VENEER DOUBLE-LOZENGE BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

decorated in tiehuang technique, the top with interlinked squares of archaistic scrollwork centred with a wan symbol, the sides with two registers of linked 'S'-shaped angular scrolls, the bamboo patinated from a golden brown on the recessed base and on the interior to a rich dark-brown on the exterior of the box and on the cover; fitted wood stand, Japanese box

Spink & Son Ltd, London, 1979.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th October 1992, lot 243.

Bamboo and Wood Carvings of China and the East, Spink and Son Ltd., London, 1979, front cover and pl. 230.

There are some typical age cracks to the bamboo-veneer surface, including one across the length of the cover. 2.3 cm of the lip of the box has possibly been replaced. Apart from a minute area of loss (1 mm) to the exterior of the box, the overall condition is quite good.
"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."

A closely related but larger bamboo-veneer covered box of this form, from the Qing court collection and still in Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 72; and another slightly larger painted lacquer box of this shape but with rounded edges, also from the Imperial collection in Beijing, is included in Zhongguo qiqi quanji, vol. 6, Fuzhou, 1993, pl. 96.

The present piece is unusual for the even dark staining of some of the surfaces suggesting that it may have been left exposed to incense smoke over a period of time. Works of art produced in the zhuhuang or 'bamboo-veneer' technique became especially popular during the reign of the Qianlong emperor. It is a decorative method that involves the separation of the veneer which is of light yellow colouration and is taken from the inner wall of the bamboo stem. The veneer is then applied over a wood core, and is carved in shallow relief. As the colour of the bamboo skin is lighter than wood, the design is left in reserve against the darker background, resulting in an elegant and attractive two-toned finish.
 
Boxes of this auspicious double-lozenge form were made in various mediums; for example see a zitan box decorated with cloisonné enamel sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2006, lot 1270; and a small cloisonné enamel box offered in our New York rooms, 25th April 1987, lot 384.