A Cantonese ivory letter rack

The rack is comprised of seven trays supported by coiled dragon columns, each labelled with the day of the week and decorated with carved and pierced figural panels. The upper section is finely carved with a panel enclosing figures surrounded by pierced flowers below two confronting dragons, the lower panel is decorated with two further dragons flanking a figural cartouche. Each side is carved and pierced with striding dragon and phoenix.

Catalogue notes: a similar Cantonese ivory letter rack without the days of the week labels were sold at Christie's London, 5 November 2013, lot 9, and a pair of letter racks were sold at Christie's South Kensington, 16 May 2012, lot 642.

Condition: a few areas reglued, including: one upper dragon section, joints of lower section; the 'D' of 'Sunday' restored; one join pin to the reverse missing; a few chips to the extremities and cracks consistent with age.

Please note: this lot contains ivory and is therefore subject to the relevant trade restrictions in correspondence with CITES regulations. Customers should familiarize themselves with the relevant Cites regulations before bidding. More information can be obtained through the saleroom.