Lot 206
  • 206

A PAIR OF LARGE JUMU DOCUMENT BOXES WITH ZITAN 'DRAGON' PANELS (XIANG) QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
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Description

  • Jumu boxes
  • 22 inches
each of rectangular section, resting on four splayed feet, the sides plain but for a band of three raised horizontal ridges at the rim of the base, the cover with molded sides falling flush with the base and inset at the top with a large zitan panel boldly carved in high relief with a single writhing five-clawed dragon in pursuit of a 'flaming pearl' amid dense cloud scrolls, the interior divided into five vertical compartments, a pair of hinges and single strap-form metal mount securing the two sections (2)

Provenance

Collection of Max Meincke, acquired in Beijing circa 1900 and thence by descent.

Condition

One of the boxes is missing on of its bracket feet. Both zitan panels with vertical splits, small chips and nicks and one is missing the lower section of the dragon's head, and some of the trailing whiskers, the other dragon head has a chip to one eye.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A closely related example of a similarly carved zitan wood panel of a dragon amidst clouds of the same size but inset into a boxwood panel, dated to the Qianlong period is illustrated in Tian Jiaqing, Classic Chinese Furniture of the Qing Dynasty, Hong Kong, 1996, p. 299.