Casket - Wood - China (No reserve price)

A large and exceptionally heavy Chinese lacquered document chest from the last quarter of the twentieth century (circa 1970–1990). This high-quality and highly decorative object is executed in a deep, elegant purple-red lacquer and around it feature refined, hand-painted bas-relief scenes. The detailed depictions show traditional Chinese scholars and traveling Taoist monks in a minimalist mountain landscape with pine trees, equipped with classic symbolic attributes such as a fan, a herb basket, and a gourd. The lid is tastefully framed in the corners with a gold-colored geometric coin pattern, which in Eastern culture symbolizes prosperity and continuity. The chest bears witness to solid, artisanal construction with a robust wooden base framework. The underside displays a skillfully mitered frame that is reinforced in the corners with triangular applied blocks, giving the chest a substantial weight of no less than about 6 to 7 kilograms. Both the exterior and interior are fully lacquered in the same aubergine lacquer. The piece is equipped with heavy, traditionally shaped brass fittings that are finished with a characteristic aging patina. On the front there is a classic rectangular strike plate with a functional lid clasp, while the rear is mounted with sturdy hinges fitted with authentic slotted screws. The sides are decorated with heavy, bronze-colored ring handles to which the original multicolored fabric tassels with woven details are still attached in excellent condition. With its generous exterior dimensions of 20.9 cm in height, 42 cm in width, and 29.4 cm in depth (measured without the side handles), this chest forms an imposing and atmospheric Chinoiserie interior piece. The lot is in notably neat and complete condition with no significant lacquer damage, making it a beautiful collector’s item or exclusive storage piece for the enthusiast of Asian art and luxury export antiques. Dimensions: 20.9 x 42 x 29.4 cm (woodwork, without counting the side handles) Weight: 6 to 7 kg

Estimate:$4.48

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