Page 95 - Chiense works of art sothebys march 14 2017 nyc

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A BLACK LACQUER ‘TIXI’ BOX AND COVER
MING DYNASTY, 15TH / 16TH CENTURY

the circular domed cover with a central stylized owerhead
surrounded by ve concentric bands of pommel scrolls, the
deep rounded base with two further bands of pommel scrolls
above upright onion-shaped lappets around the foot, all carved
through layers dark brownish-black lacquer alternating with
two red layers, the interior and base lacquered brownish-black
(2)
Diameter 9¾ in., 24.8 cm

Compare a similar tixi lacquer box in the Mike Healy Collection,
illustrated in Julia M. White, Masterpieces of Chinese Lacquer
from the Mike Healy Collection, Honolulu, 2005, cat. no. 13.

$ 30,000-50,000

571

A CINNABAR LACQUER ‘TIXI’ FOUR-TIERED
BOX AND COVER
MING DYNASTY, 16TH / 17TH CENTURY

of square section with rounded corners carved through
multiple alternating layers of red and black lacquer, the center
of the cover with a quatrefoil stylized oral motif surrounded
on each side by three sword pommel motifs, interspersed with
dots and smaller pommels on the corners, each tier with a
single row of pommels alternating on each level with pendent
and upright pommels, save for the bottom tier with two rows,
the interior lacquered black, all supported on a slightly splayed
base, Japanese wood box (5)
Height 8¼ in., 21 cm

Inspired by swirling designs on silver vessels, the deeply
layered and carved geometric motif seen on the present
lacquer box was an innovative response by lacquerware
artisans of the Song dynasty. The tri-lobed motif, often
described as a ‘pommel’ also bears a strong resemblance to
the auspicious ruyi form.

$ 20,000-30,000

571

IMPORTANT CHINESE ART 93