LGE 14.5"L C1870S CHINESE EXPORT DEEPLY CARVED WOOD BOX CASKET FOR FINISHING UP

Description

Welcome to my auction. You are considering a large and very deeply carved 19C Chinese sandalwood box or casket in a much larger size than normal being 14-1/2 Long x 4-3/4" Deep x 3-1/2" High with the top panel of the lid measuring just under 1/2" thick revealing 5-6 levels of carving depth at up to 5/16" deep. The entire box has been profusely worked in a high level of relief depicting many figures shown in outdoor and pavilion settings with the top of the lid having a central oval lozenge edged with leaves for a monogram, but was left unadorned. Every panel has been decorated with willow, prunus and pine trees as well as boulders, rockery and plants along with buildings, pagodas and many variations of early Chinese architecture. There are also paneled fences, tables, walkways and many other points of interest which are a bit difficult to see except in hand. The surfaces have taken on a wonderful soft color and patina from age and handling with no real losses I could find in the carving details. This box came from a small collection of Chinese export items from a Detroit, Michigan estate years ago and was found just as you see it with it being dissembled in which I only dry fitted it for photos as there is one piece missing which is the right side of the top as shown in the photo and described well in the condition report below. A wonderful opportunity to finish this impressive box for a fraction of its value when done.
Age...c1860s-C1870s
Origin...Canton, China
Material....Resembles Sandalwood, but it is non-aromatic
Sizes...Length 14-1/2" x Depth 4-3/4" x Height 3-1/2"
Condition...The overall condition of the box is quite good with no losses, damage or repairs of the carving elements I could find except a small piece of the bottom section at a corner and there are line cuts at the outside corners which would have been originally filled with small wood pieces for extra strength due to the length of the box and then of course the one missing piece of the top lid on the right side and there was no lock or hinges included when I found it. Many collectors will frame individual pieces of these great boxes or frame them in groups, however these large boxes are getting more difficult to find and finishing it would make a wonderful addition to ones collection. This box will be shipped unassembled with all pieces marked for easy reassembly for safer delivery.
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