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An early Chinese metal dragon chest, possibly Ming Dynasty…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
25-Oct-2015
Lot No.
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Description:
An early Chinese metal dragon chest, possibly Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), set on a ring-punched background, the powerful creatures including 'bi xi' (turtle-dragon), bi an (tiger-dragon) and ba xia' (snake-dragon) appear in high relief. The lid depicted with two confronting dragons resting above another pair of dragons and surrounded by scrolling tendrils with a central floral motif., the upper sides of the lid, illustrated with these lively mythical beasts are chasing one another, toward the front panel showing a band of scrolling lotus. The side and back panels depicting specific mythological creatures referred to as the 'Offspring of the dragon' longsheng juzi., the box depicting the double phoenix fenghuang, with widely outstretched wings forming a triangular pattern, set amongst meandering lotus tendrils to the front panel. The front of the chest has an applied clasp, the back with two hinges., 19 x 22 x 21 cm. Catalogue note, the Offspring of the dragon are mythological representations and were referred to in several Ming Dynasty texts.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified