A HUANGHUALI 'CHILONG' SEAL CHEST, GUANPIXIANG LATE MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

of rectangular form, with a hinged-top opening to a shallow tray, deftly carved in low relief with a pair of chilong writhing among clouds, each detailed with a broad face surmounted by a crescent crest issuing a long curling horn, and a slender looping body terminating in a bifid tail, the corners secured with baitong mounts centred with a ruyi-head clasp, the front doors similarly carved with two confronting dragons writhing among clouds reaching for a pearl, the sides with dense billows of clouds and bail handles suspended from circular roundels, the interior set with a large drawer at the bottom and four further smaller drawers above, all supported on a flanged base shaped with a bracket apron, the well-figured wood patinated to a warm chestnut-brown colour

There is a diagonal age crack opening across the lower right corner of the top (crossing from approx 8 cm above the lower right corner up to the lower left corner mount) with have been partly filled in. There is another thinner diagonal age crack across the upper left corner. There is some expected wear and occasional dents in keeping with age and typical oxidization to the lock plate and mounts. The top, sides and back of the chest are all made out of single planks of huanghuali. The patina is warm and smooth. The actual colour is sligthly less red, more deep caramel brown compared to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

This chest is notable for the boldly carved design of sinuous chilong amongst swirling clouds which has been skilfully finished to a satin-like patina to accentuate the beauty of the grain and colour of the material. Compare a huanghuali chest with similarly rendered chilong designs on the apron and front of the cover, the doors and top carved with panels of dragons, from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Renaissance, California, sold twice at Christie’s Hong Kong, 19th September 1996, lot 96, and again, 30th May 2006, lot 1232; and another carved with stylised dragons on the top and prunus branches on the front and doors, from the Blumenfield collection, sold at Christie’s New York, 22nd March 2012, lot 1310. Chests of this type most likely served as the inspiration for Qing versions, such as a zitanchest carved with dragons amongst clouds, sold in these rooms, 27th April 2003, lot 58.

For a discussion on the use of these chests see Grace Wu Bruce, ‘Small Portable Treasures’, Journal of the Classical Chinese Furniture Society, Autumn 1993, pp 60-62.