A ZITAN BOX LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY

of rectangular section, the straight sides finely carved with a thin raised band around the rim, the cover hinged on the back of the chest, the front embellished with a circular baitong lock plate set with a lobed ruyi-shaped clasp, the sides flanked by a pair of 'C-shaped baitong loop handles suspending from roundels, the wood with a lustrous dark brown patina with characteristic gold flecks

Grace Wu Bruce, Zitan Furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hong Kong Exhibition, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 44-45.

The box is in overall good condition with general surface wear. As visible in the catalogue photo, there are small bruises and cracks.
"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 completely plain box has wide flat beaded-edges on the lid and body and they serve both as a subtle decoration as well as to increase the size of the contact surface of the lid and body of the box improving its durability. The round baitong plate also serves the dual purpose of ornament and function. It protects the body of the box from the hasp and is judiciously placed to the front of the box as decoration.

This classical design was used to fashion large storage chests for clothing as well as small boxes like the present example. Often called document boxes, the functions of these boxes are manifold, ranging from the storage of documents and seals to valuables such as jewellery, cash and silver.  It is interesting to note that boxes as small as these were all fitted with handles, indicating their association with frequent carriage.  An illustration from the popular late Ming historical novel, Outlaws of the Marsh, depicts protagonists disbanding and dividing their spoils, boxes and chests of various sizes of the present design.

See a similar example in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, illustrated in Robert D Jacobsen and Nicholas Grindley, Chinese Furniture in the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, 1999, pp. 202-203.