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A zitan silver-wire-inlaid square box and cover 18th century image 1
A zitan silver-wire-inlaid square box and cover 18th century image 2
Lot 318

A zitan silver-wire-inlaid square box and cover
18th century

8 November 2012, 10:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street

£20,000 - £30,000

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A zitan silver-wire-inlaid square box and cover

18th century
The box consisting of a flat tray and a high-sided cover of zitan wood of typical purplish hue, the top of the cover formed as a panel set within a bevelled and mitred frame and inlaid with silver wire depicting two deer, one with antlers and holding a lingzhi fungus in its mouth, standing in a rocky pine grove with two bats flying overhead, the frame with an inlaid design of interlocking ruyi-head and stylised chilong. 20.2cm (8in) square (2).

Footnotes

十八世紀 紫檀嵌銀絲松鹿紋方蓋盒

The engagingly simple design of this box suggests a business-like, utilitarian function. This suggestion is echoed by the design inlaid onto the cover of two deer, posed with one standing and one seated with lingzhi fungus: this image is an important rebus for doing business. In particular, deer 鹿 lu, are a pun for road, 路 lu, and suggests the saying 'may all roads be smooth' 路路順利 lulu shunli. In addition, the two bats, 蝠 fu, flying above are a rebus for prosperity, 富 fu, and blessings 福 fu.

Additional information

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