Lot 1211. A small zitan lotus leaf-form box, Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Estimate: USD USD 4,000 ~ 6,000. Price Realised  USD 3,750. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016.

The cover is carved in high relief as the back of a lotus leaf borne on a stem, and with two crabs. The low sides of the conformingly lobed box are plain and raised on four shaped supports. 3 ½ in. (9 cm.) wide

Provenance: Private collection, Massachusetts, 1980s.

Notes: The juxtaposition of the crab (xie) and lotus (he), represents the rebus hexie, which means harmony. The crab's hard shell is represented by the word jia, meaning armor, which is a homophone for 'first'. This refers to achieving first place in the civil service examinations.