Rare Hongmu Wood Dragon Cabinet, China, Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Photo AUCTIONATA

Cabinet with elaborate relief carving. Dragon motifs on the four doors. Dimensions: 262 x 140 x 55 cm. Good original condition, beautiful patina. Estimation : 40 000 € / 50 000 €

Provenance: from the estate of Bernhard von Bülow, the German secretary of Foreign affaires during the Boxer Revolution in China

Rare cabinet carved from a noble wood, which boasts magnificent carving work
This dragon cabinet dates to Qing dynasty (1644-1912) China.
The imposing body is made of Hongmu wood.
The latter was a sought-after so called blackwood, that was at the height of its popularity in the Qing Dynasty and was predominately used for richly carved furnitures for the Imperial court.
The present cabinet features masterful relief carving that adorns the four doors, the hidden compartment and the frame.
The panels depict five-clawed dragons – a symbol of the emperor – chasing the flaming pearl amidst scrolling clouds.
The scales of the coiling dragon bodies are rendered in the finest manner and the lush cloud background is delicately carved. In Chinese symbolism the dragon stands for power and strength, the pearl signifies wisdom and truth.
The upper interior shows one shelf, the lower part one shelf and two small drawers. Furthermore there are two hidden compartments in the base. Plain brass hinges and fittings refine the exterior.

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie, le 26 Juin 2014 à 6:00 pm CET. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0221 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com