A Chinese huanghuali 'kui-dragon' chest

The rectangular chest is fashioned with an upright double handle, with two spandrels carved in low relief with confronting kui dragons. The door panels and sides of the box are finely carved with further kui-dragon scrolls. The upper surface is carved with a central roundel surrounded by further scrolls. The double doors open to reveal an upper and lower shelf separated by two drawers.

Catalogue notes: Compare a 17th-18th century portable chest of simpler decoration from the collection of the Reverend Richard Fabian sold at Sotheby's New York, 15 March 2016, lot 5.

Please note: this lot contains huanghuali 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.