Lot 229. A rectangular inlaid zitan box and cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722). Length 11 in., 28 cm. Estimate 20,000 — 25,000 USD. Lot sold 25,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of rectangular form with slightly canted corners, the cover skillfully inlaid depicting a malachite-crested and hardstone bird perched on a gnarled stained- bone branch issuing flowering mother-of pearl, hardstone and coral prunus blossoms and buds, and with hibiscus blooms issuing from rockwork of lapis lazuli and turquoise, the stepped rim fitted to the conforming lower section resting on a slightly recessed base (2).

Provenance: The Asian Gallery, Gray's Antique Center, London, 1998.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Works of Art, New York, 17-18 march 2015