Zitan Wood Multi-Drawer Treasure Chest Carved with Swastika & Bat Blessing Motifs, Mid-Late Qing Dynasty, 18th–19th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: 28 cm (11.02 in) on each side, 18 cm (7.09 in) in total height. Condition and Provenance: This cabinet is crafted from solid rosewood using traditional mortise and tenon joinery, without any splices, repaired seams, wormholes, cracks, or modern restaining. The original signs of age cover the entire surface, giving it a soft, rich sheen and clearly defined natural wood grain. The top is adorned with a delicate bat relief against a backdrop of endless swastika geometric patterns; each drawer front is carved with repeating square spirals; the base features a complete and undamaged intricate carving of intertwined grass patterns. All drawers have ten original rosewood handles that slide smoothly. The flat bottom remains intact, retaining its natural signs of age without any artificial aging treatment. This piece originally belonged to a literati collector in the Jiangnan region and entered the overseas antique market in the 1990s. It is now in the collection of a private collector of antique hardwood furniture residing in San Francisco, California, USA. Antique hardwood furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties is primarily traded in the California and New York markets. Description: This square rosewood chest from the Qing Dynasty is a high-end piece of stationery storage furniture, perfect for a scholar's study. It is crafted from high-quality small-leaf rosewood, known for its dense texture and deep, dignified color. The chest surface is covered with endless swastika patterns, while the segmented panels are decorated with flying bat motifs—a traditional Chinese symbol representing good fortune. Each of the four sides has ten drawers, each drawer door carved with continuous square spiral patterns, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The bottom features openwork, interlocking scroll feet, with smooth, delicate carvings and distinct layers. The ingenious traditional mortise and tenon structure and divided storage spaces provide perfect storage for dzi beads, ancient jade, scholar's seals, bracelets, and various antique ornaments, seamlessly integrating practical storage, interior display, and exquisite auspicious carving. Well-preserved, exquisitely carved rosewood multi-drawer chests from the Qing Dynasty are extremely rare on the market today, highly prized for their superior wood, superb carving techniques, and elegant design. It is a coveted treasure for collectors of Chinese classical wooden antiques in North America, and an ideal choice for permanent display in museums and private tea rooms.

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