Discover the opulence of a rare Chinese 'dragon' box, carved from prized zitan wood, which achieved a staggering £143,000 in our November Asian Art sale.
13 November 2023
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The 49cm wide casket, that would have been used to store precious objects, is made almost exclusively of zitan, a purplish-black, fine-grained timber (so dense that it sinks in water), that was the preferred wood of the imperial workshops. Suitable for fine and intricate carving, in this case the box is adorned with the powerful dynastic images of the five-clawed dragon amidst clouds (symbol of the emperor) and phoenixes (the empress).
A Chinese zitan wood box and cover (£143,000)
By the early Qing period, zitan had become a very expensive commodity (many of the native species had been exhausted during the Ming dynasty) and its use was carefully controlled. When this box was made by master Chinese carpenters in the 18th or early 19th century, it would have been extraordinarily expensive. It remains so today. The box, that came for sale from a private seller who inherited it from grandparents who lived in Bullwood Hall, Hockley, Essex between 1930-1950.
A Chinese zitan wood box and cover (£143,000)
“Zitan is China’s most revered wood and this dragon chest was superbly carved suggesting it was made in the imperial workshops, perhaps in the reign of the emperor Qianlong. It was not in perfect condition – it had several cracks – but buyers agreed it was another special discovery by our team.”
- Yexue Li Head of Asian Art.
Our Open House sales are in full swing! Come along for in-person viewings, browse exciting new lots, and bid online throughout the week. With new items added regularly, there’s always something to discover.
14 October 2025
Sworders proudly supports The Art of the Poster, a selling exhibition at The Curwen Print Study Centre featuring original lithographic posters by leading modern artists such as Picasso, Miró, and Chagall. Each purchase helps fund the Centre’s vital work in printmaking education and preservation.
8 October 2025
On 25 September our London Gallery was proud to host a preview event for our autumn Modern & Contemporary Art auction, in partnership with The Fry Art Gallery. Acclaimed illustrator, painter, and printmaker Chloë Cheese provided a captivating talk that celebrated the achievements of women artists and was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.
6 October 2025