Page 236 - Christie's Important Chinese Art Nov 3 2020 London

PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE SCANDANAVIAN COLLECTION
■~212
A CARVED HONGMU 'DRAGON' COFFER
19TH-20TH CENTURY
The top panel is of rectangular shape with everted ends above a row of three drawers and a pair of hinged
doors. The doors, drawers, side spandrels and aprons are all elaborately carved with dragons chasing the
flaming pearl amongst clouds and above waves and rocks, all raised on four legs.
62.3/8 in. x 17.3/4 in. x 34.1/2 in. (158.5 cm. x 45 cm. x 87.5 cm.)
£5,000-8,000 US$6,500-10,000
€5,500-8,800

PROVENANCE:
Collection of Henning Haslund-Christensen (1896-1948), acquired in Asia between 1923 and 1948, then
by descent within the family.
Henning Haslund-Christensen was a Danish explorer who was part of Sven Hedin's bi-lateral Chinese/
Swedish scientific expedition to the north and north-west of China from 1927-1935.
The coffer was used for holding and storing objects and became a popular form during the Ming
dynasty. Coffers differ in form in the numbers of drawers they have, either one, two or three drawers, and
also whether the top ends have everted flanges or not. Wang Shixiang discusses the history of the coffer
in Chinese Furniture, Ming and Early Qing Dynasties, Volume 1, Hong Kong, 1990, pp.92-93.

北歐私人珍藏
清十九/二十世紀 紅木龍戲珠刻紋櫃
來源:
丹麥探險家Henning Haslund-Christensen (1896-1948年)舊藏, 於1923年至1948年購自亞洲, 家傳至今

END OF SALE

234 In addition to the hammer price, a Buyer’s Premium (plus VAT) is payable. Other taxes and/or an Artist Resale Royalty
fee are also payable if the lot has a tax or λ symbol. Check Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of this catalogue.