Qianlong Period Qing Dynasty Zitan Wood Carved Kui Dragon Scrollwork Inkstone Box with Poetry Inscriptions (18th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: 18 cm (7.1 inches) long, 11 cm (4.3 inches) wide, 568 g (1.25 lb), Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period (18th century). Condition and Provenance: Excellent condition, original structure intact. The carved lid fits perfectly with the base, the openwork decoration is beautifully preserved, the rosewood has a mature patina, and the inscription is clearly visible. Provenance: Private collection in New York, USA; originally from a senior collector of Asian art. Description: This Qing Dynasty rosewood inkstone box is exquisitely crafted, decorated with openwork dragon and flute motifs and carved inscriptions, and comes with the original inkstone. The box measures 18 cm long, 11 cm wide, and weighs 568 g, reflecting the refined taste of upper-class Chinese literati. The set consists of a finely carved openwork lid and a matching base designed to stably hold the inkstone. The inkstone is rectangular, proportionally balanced, with rounded corners, thick sides, and low feet at the bottom for stability. The interior space perfectly complements the inkstone, with shallowly carved bat motifs at the four corners symbolizing good fortune. The inkstone lid combines openwork carving and relief carving techniques, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and rich layering. The outer edge is decorated with repeating patterns, the four corners with coiled dragon motifs, and the center is carved with the auspicious character "double happiness," complemented by a beautiful woven background. The main pattern on the inkstone features symmetrical openwork dragons encircling a central vortex opening, embellished with cloud patterns and delicate carving elements. The entire inkstone set incorporates dragons, clouds, auspicious patterns, and traditional designs, creating a noble and elegant atmosphere. The bottom of the box is engraved with beautiful running script poetry and bears a square seal reading "Chen Liang Shi Zheng," reflecting the craftsmanship style of a Qing Dynasty scholar's study. This box is crafted from high-quality rosewood, with a dense texture, deep reddish-black color, and a natural luster honed by time. The carving is exquisite, the surface is smoothly polished, and the openwork sections are intact. Large-scale zitan (red sandalwood) scholar's objects from the Qing Dynasty were highly regarded. This box, which integrates openwork carving, relief carving, inscription of poems and texts, and a complete set of inkstones, can be regarded as a model work of Qing Dynasty literati's study.

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