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
EXPLORE DEPARTMENT REQUEST A VALUATION CONTACT A SPECIALIST
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.
Ahead of our 21 May Fine Jewellery & Watches sale, join us as we explore the resurgence of bold and nature-inspired sixties and seventies jewellery designs, celebrating their timeless charm and contemporary appeal.
26 April 2024
We're pleased to present this timed auction of modern and contemporary sculpture for Eddie Powell and The Sculpture Park team. To those who know him, Eddie is a force of nature, a man whose drive, imagination and vision have led the Surrey-based park to become the fantastical wonderland that it is today, and it was clear from the outset that he would be applying this trademark enthusiasm to the creation of this sale.
25 April 2024
Discover the unexpected journey of Dan aka Mr Bigglesworthy, a chartered accountant turned design connoisseur, whose love affair with modern design began with a simple fascination for the value of vintage pieces.
25 April 2024