明末至清初 黃花梨雕龍聖旨箱

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

《好古敏求：敏求精舍四十週年紀念展》，香港藝術館，香港，2001年
《堂上清華：南陽葉氏攻玉山房藏明清家具》，澳門藝術博物館，澳門，2003年，頁38-39
伍嘉恩，《燕几衎榻：攻玉山房藏中國古典家具》，香港中文大學文物館，香港，2007年，頁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."

此箱匣用途為存放聖旨，雕皇室專用圖案四爪龍紋，正中標明「奉天誥命」四字。

迄今似乎未見其他公開發表之珍貴黃花梨木聖旨箱例子，現例應為孤本。

此具聖旨箱通體用黃花梨木造。盝頂箱蓋由三部份構成，平頂面板、斜肩與立牆，立牆正面雕相朝二龍，身雕鱗片。箱身置三彎腿式底座框，接合壼門牙條雕卷草紋。箱身正面高浮雕造型生動的四爪雙龍，面朝中央「奉天誥命」四字。正面鑲嵌黃銅面葉、拍子與鈕頭，背面鑲嵌兩片長方形合葉。