Large & Impressive Chinese Imperial Five Claw Dragon Chest

拍品描述

Large & Impressive Chinese Imperial Five Claw Dragon Chest Late Qing period, Chinese The top carved in relief with a pair of dragons amongst clouds with central medallion. Each corner carved with an additional single dragon amongst clouds in both low and high relief. The front top with a band of two dragons facing each other as well as the bottom of the chest with another band of two dragons facing each other. The bronze hardware with moon shape, stippled and engraved with dragons and double happiness symbol. The handles and hinges all matching with hand engraved and stippled clouds with a fine background. Each side with heavily cast handles with additional bands (top and bottom) of single carved dragon in relief. The back top and bottom with double dragon and center medallion to bands. Moon shaped hinges on back are heavy bronze construction with facing dragons and clouds. Finely engraved. The interior of the box showing natural wood with three slats to the top, later added chain to hold top open. The corners reinforced as well as the lid with plain slats, which are added and nailed into the corners. Marks says "The quality of the dragons carved on this chest remind me of the 18th century Zitan dragon boxes."

图片