Page 201 - Bonhams Chinese Art NYC Nov 9 2017

The present lot would have been used to safekeep and display highly The masterful skill of the craftsman is demonstrated in the exquisite
prized possesions, mirrored in the use of the precious zitan wood, details, from the perfectly balanced geometric design, to the precise
the exceptional craftsmanship and Imperial design. Such cabinets and even execution of the relief carving, to the grooved lines both
were made in a variety of sizes and geometric arrangements of the within the design and on the beading framing each compartment and
compartments. For related examples from the Qing Court collection, see along the framework, and the clever use of the bat-shaped handles to
The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum: Furniture prevent the doors and drawers opening inadvertently.
of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, vol.II, Hong Kong, 2002, pls.212, 216,
221 (glass cabinet decorated with bamboo strips), and 229. The principle relief carved decoration includes lotus scrolls and ruyi,
which combined with the bat-shaped handles, represents the wish for
Compare also the decoration on a gauze in the Fuwang ge, ‘Pavilion long life, purity and the five auspicious wishes.
of Viewing Achievements’, the Qianlong emperor’s private retirement
retreat within the Forbidden City, illustrated in N.Berliner, et al, The See a related zitan embellished openwork display cabinet, Qianlong,
Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City, Sale, which was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 31 May 2010, lot 1925.
Mass., 2010, p.208, fig.9, to the top panel of the display cabinet.

136