Page 71 - Sothebys Speelman Gems of Chinese Art

This exquisitely conceived pair of boxes is remarkable for stacked on two albums and raised on a stand, cat. no. 2.
the combination of elements which have been masterfully According to the catalogue, the Qianlong Emperor’s love of
executed resulting in a harmonious design. Each skilfully painting and calligraphy fuelled the development of boxes for
modelled to simulate three scrolls and a set of four albums, such treasured items. The characteristics of these containers
such elaborate curiosity pieces are very rare and would have included the use of choice materials, the preferences being
enjoyed a place of prestige in an elegant scholar’s studio. zitan, carved lacquer, cloisonné and bamboo, due to their
durability and fine quality which would complement the
For a similarly carved zitan box, but in the form of six scrolls
painting and calligraphy. The shape and decoration of these
surmounting an album, compare an example in the Palace
containers were also carefully considered to reflect both
Museum, Beijing, included in the exhibition Qing Legacies:
their contents and the imperial authority of the emperor. The
The Sumptuous Art of Imperial Packaging, The Macao
title slips of the scrolls of the present pair, however, remain
Museum of Art, Macau, 2000, cat. no. 3, together with a
uninscribed, suggesting that they might not have been
carved cinnabar lacquer example in the form of three scrolls
designated to hold specific scrolls.

GEMS OF CHINESE ART — THE SPEELMAN COLLECTION I 69