Seal Box

2016.14.0005A

Thumbnail of Seal Box (2016.14.0005A)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Seal Box   (2016.14.0005A)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Personal Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Personal Gear
  4. :
  5. Personal Carrying & Storage Gear
Artist/Maker None
Geographic Location
Period/Date late Qing Dynasty or Early Republic of China, 20th century
Culture N/A

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 16 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 16 cm
Dimension 3 (Height) 14.5 cm
Weight 768 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Plant--Wood, Plant--Zitan
Manufacturing Processes Carved
Munsell Color Information N/A

Research Remarks

Published Description N/A
Description

A Chinese carved zitan square shaped seal box with cover, the lid carved with a dragon and pearl amidst profuse fungi within a key fret border, the sides with facing archaic dragons (2) within archaic motifs surrounded by a key fret border, late Qing dynasty/Early Republic of China (Republic of China 1912-1949). 7 1/2” high x 6 1/4” square (lid) on 7 1/2” square base.
Zitan is the heaviest and hardest of all woods used by Chines 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 continue to escalate. - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, 7/21/2016

Comparanda

Lot #3313: A CARVED ZITAN SQUARE BOX AND COVER. Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period. Sotheby’s Hong Kong. Sale #HK0358, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. April 8, 2011.

Bibliography N/A

Artifact History

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication Fred A. Freund Collection
Reproduction No
Reproduction Information N/A

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