Lot 3311. A hardstone embellished zitan box and cover, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century; 26.3 x 15.6 cm., 10 1/4 x 6 1/4 in. Estimate 600,000 — 800,000 HKD. Lot Sold 680,000 HKD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of rectangular form, the cover colourfully inlaid with a gnarled branch of prunus, bamboo, butterflies, rocks and lingzhi, the stones including mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, coral, soapstone and malachite, the interior fitted with shallow tray, the wood of deep brown tone.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 april 2011