A unique and highly important mother-of-pearl and twisted-wire inlaid lacquer 'fish-dragon' box and cover, Southern Song dynasty | 南宋　黑漆嵌螺鈿及絞絲銅線魚龍逐珠紋大蓋盒

A unique and highly important mother-of-pearl and twisted-wire inlaid lacquer 'fish-dragon' box and cover,

Southern Song dynasty

南宋　黑漆嵌螺鈿及絞絲銅線魚龍逐珠紋大蓋盒

of circular form, the substantial box and cover exquisitely inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl against a rich black lacquered ground, the flat cover centred with a ferocious three-clawed, winged fish-dragon, characterized by two stout legs and a split fishtail, the majestic wyvern portrayed in a vigorous pose with its sinuous, scaly body arched into a striking C-formation as it reaches for a flaming pearl that hovers above, and wreathed by a ring of wispy clouds, the central medallion thoughtfully framed by a border of spuming and spattering waves, meticulously arranged with each crest and trough detailed with fine lines and specks, accented with fine twisted wires delineating the central medallion and the waves register, the sides of the cover and box beautifully encircled by intricate composite floral scrolls, featuring an array of blossoms elegantly intertwined with lush, verdant leaves, further accentuated by fine twisted-wires along the borders, the interior and base lacquered red, Japanese wood box

d. 39 cm