Lot 902. A pair of embellished 'zitan' 'Hundred Antiques' panels, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Estimate 20,000 — 30,000 USD. Lot sold 75,000 USD. Courtesy Sotheby’s.

each rectangular black-lacquered panel set within a zitan wood carved surround imitating a display cabinet with the varying compartments enclosing an array of inlaid 'precious objects' in complementary mirror image, including ruyi scepters, bowls of fruit, flower-filled planters, brushpots, vases, books and scrolls, in jade, porcelain, hardstones, glass, bronze and hardwood (2). Height 45 in., 114.3 cm.

Provenance: American Private Collection, acquired in Singapore circa 1968.

Note: A similar pair, but with an ochre-colored lacquer ground, sold at Christie's New York, 19th March 2009, lot 639.

A large pair of zitan-veneer and inlaid lacquer panels, 19th century. Sold for 230,500 USD at Christie's New York, 19th March 2009, lot 639. © Christie's Images Ltd 2009.

Each panel with reticulated scrollwork framing various scenes of antiques and precious objects carved from jade, hardstone, ivory, wood, coral and brass, many with silver wire-inlaid fitted wood stands, all inset on a lacquered ground of ochre color, the panels fitted at the top with brass hardware in the form of interlocked, leafy archaistic scroll; 46 5/8 in. (118.4 cm.) high, 31½ in. (80 cm.) wide, 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) deep (2). Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000.

Sotheby's. Saturday at Sotheby's: Asian Art, New York, 16 Sep 2017