Lot 200. A zitan inlaid four-lobed box and cover, Late Qing Dynasty; 27.6cm (10 6/8in) wide. Estimate £ 20,000-30,000. Sold for £ 4,000 (€ 4,589). Photo Bonhams.

The cover finely inlaid with carved mother-of-pearl, jade and agate to depict flowering branches of prunus and foliage growing from layered rocks below two hovering birds, all within a border of keyfret repeated on the foot, the base recessed, the wood of an attractive dark brown tone, fitted box. 

Note: The fragrant and snowy-white prunus flowers symbolise rebirth and longevity as they start appearing during the winter period.

See two related four-lobed inlaid zitan boxes and covers, mid-Qing dynasty, from the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures from the Palace Museum: Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2002, pls.233-234.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, London, 12 November 2015