Carved nanmu circular box
Southern China
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), c. 1700-1780
Of circular form in precious nanmu with rounded walls, beautifully carved to the top in intaglio with a shoudainiao (paradise flycatcher) resting on a branch of meihua (blossoming plum), the base with a recess to the centre forming a wide bi-shaped foot rim, the entire box with its untouched original surface and fine patina. Excellent condition with no warping and no repairs. 7.2cm high, 15.9cm diameter.
Provenance: Curtis Evarts Collection; Jason Sprague Collection
Symbolism
The shoudianiao represents longevity, coming from the character Shou in its Chinese name, and meihua represents resilience, being the first tree to flower even in the snows of late Winter. Together they form a rebus of unending resilience.
Southern China
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), c. 1700-1780
Of circular form in precious nanmu with rounded walls, beautifully carved to the top in intaglio with a shoudainiao (paradise flycatcher) resting on a branch of meihua (blossoming plum), the base with a recess to the centre forming a wide bi-shaped foot rim, the entire box with its untouched original surface and fine patina. Excellent condition with no warping and no repairs. 7.2cm high, 15.9cm diameter.
Provenance: Curtis Evarts Collection; Jason Sprague Collection
Symbolism
The shoudianiao represents longevity, coming from the character Shou in its Chinese name, and meihua represents resilience, being the first tree to flower even in the snows of late Winter. Together they form a rebus of unending resilience.
Southern China
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), c. 1700-1780
Of circular form in precious nanmu with rounded walls, beautifully carved to the top in intaglio with a shoudainiao (paradise flycatcher) resting on a branch of meihua (blossoming plum), the base with a recess to the centre forming a wide bi-shaped foot rim, the entire box with its untouched original surface and fine patina. Excellent condition with no warping and no repairs. 7.2cm high, 15.9cm diameter.
Provenance: Curtis Evarts Collection; Jason Sprague Collection
Symbolism
The shoudianiao represents longevity, coming from the character Shou in its Chinese name, and meihua represents resilience, being the first tree to flower even in the snows of late Winter. Together they form a rebus of unending resilience.