Box Lid: Five Bats in Flight

6/28/2012: "A Chinese zitan rectangular box with lid, finely carved in low relief, overall, with five wufu (bats) in flight and a flaming pearl, encircling cash symbol with tassel, all amongst cloud scrolls, the side panels with further cloud scrolls, 11 3/4” x 7 3/4” x 2 3/4” high. This box dates from the Early Republic of China (Republic of China 1911 to 1949). Zitan is the heaviest and hardest of all woods used by Chinese furniture makers and wood carvers. Its grain is so dense that, at times, one can hardly see it. The color of Zitan, which is most often purple black, can also be completely black resembling lacquer. While it does not have the warmth and intriguing patterns of Huanghuali, Zitan is incomparable in color depth and luster. Through the centuries, Zitan has always been considered by the Chinese as a precious wood. Records dating to Emperor Longqing (1567-1572), in the later part of the Ming dynasty, indicate that the price of Zitan was 2 to 5 times higher than those of other hard woods. In addition to escalating prices for Zitan, the market for items produced during the Republic of China have also escalated in the past year. This box has had some minor cracks filled in. " - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, 5/25/2012

Comparanda: Christie’s London, South Kensington: Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Textiles, sale #6162, lot #1104, 5/3/2011.