Lot 484
White Jade Dragon Box and Cover, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
Lot 484 Details
White Jade Dragon Box and Cover, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
With an intricate floral pattern carved in openwork throughout the body, the central cartouche on the cover featuring a frontal four-clawed dragon surrounding a flaming pearl, the base with swirling lines radiating from a large peony bloom. Wood stand
diameter 8.7" — 22 cm.
Estimate $50,000-$60,000
Additional Images
Note:
Revered for its natural beauty, jade, especially white jade is amongst one of the most highly valued and treasured materials in Chinese art. During Imperial times, only the most accomplished carvers and craftsmen were permitted to use large boulders or pebbles of the stone. Due to its size and decoration, it is possible that the present box, continuously carved from a single piece of stone, was associated with a high-ranking court official. The dragon motif presented alongside the delicately reticulated body further highlights the preciousness of this item and suggests that the box was used primarily as an object of decoration rather than pure utilitarian function.
CONDITION DETAILS
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. ANY BIDDING ON THIS LOT REQUIRES PRE-APPROVAL FROM THE ASIAN ART DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Please contact [email protected] or 416.847.6185 for more information