AN IMPERIAL 'HUANGHUALI' CARVED DRAGON EDICT CHEST LATE MING – EARLY QING DYNASTY

made in huanghuali wood throughout, the canted top lid constructed in three sections, the flat top panel, the sloping shoulder and the straight frame carved with two facing scaly dragons in front, the body of the chest resting on a base frame with curvilinear shaped aprons carved with tendrils and cabriole legs, the front of the body skilfully carved with two lively four-clawed dragons facing the centrally carved characters Fengtian gaoming ('Imperial Edict from Heaven'), decorated with an inlaid huangtong front plate with a lock receptacle and hasp and two inlaid rectangular strap hinges in the back

In Pursuit of Antiquities: 40th Anniversary Exhibition of the Min Chiu Society, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2001.
The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture, The Macao Museum of Art, Macau, 2003, pp. 38-39.
Grace Wu Bruce, Feast by a wine table reclining on a couch: The Dr S. Y. Yip Collection of Classic Chinese Furniture III, Art Museum, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2007, pp. 194-195.

As expected there is typical wear and tear, bruising to edges and corners (most severe a 3 cm shallow bruise to the reverse above the foot). Consolidation to the feet. Other general surface wear, scratches and age 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 fine chest was used for housing imperial edicts as indicated by the four characters carved on the front of the chest. The lively dragons carved in front have four claws, reserved for use by princes of the royal family.

There seems no published examples of imperial edict chests made in huanghuali wood making this piece unique to-date.