Chinese Brass and Lacquered Wood Box

The chest is constructed of teak covered in lacquer and gold leaf with a hinged lid and detailed decoration on four sides. The high relief thayo lacquer depicts narrative scenes, bordered by a tendril vine frame with reserve cartouches of birds, beasts or men within.  The scenes may be from the Mahajanaka Jataka, one of the last Jataka tales of a life preceding the life of becoming the Buddha. This tale of endurance starts by depicting the rivalry between two brothers fighting for the throne. The lid depicts this great conflict having two battling elephants at center. Half of the surrounding characters are sending the opponents into retreat. The brother that is King is killed. The sides of the chest dynamically continue the story. On the right side of the front scene, the pregnant Queen at the front of the palace is informed of the King’s death  by her kneeling subjects.  On the left side of the front panel, the Queen is shown in retreat with her riches sacked upon her head. On the left side of the chest the story continues with Saka the Lord of the Dewas offering the Queen a lift upon an ox drawn cart. The right side of the chest depicts the pregnant Queen at her destination of refuge discussing her predicament with her long lost brother who offers protection in the birth of her child, Prince Mahajanaka. The elaborate high relief thayo lacquer is molded and modeled of a putty of lacquer sap mixed with clay, saw-dust, or ash. The interior and back are lacquered red. Provenance: From a residence designed by Kalef Alaton. East & Orient Company, Dallas. Private collection, Texas. Lark Mason...

Chinese Decorative Lacquered Wood Jardiniere, small, elegant form carved from a single segment of wood, raised high on four cabriole curving legs, top consisting of a rectangular ope...

High official's box for his seals (chops) from China. Qing Dynasty (18th/19th century) It is decorated with carved dragon handle, a fish and a Fu dog surrounded floral motifs. Measu...

Medium Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao). Bronze/Brass with bordered silver inlay design overall of a symmetrical floral tendril vine pattern referred to as “th...

A Qing Dynasty period red lacquered treasure chest box from the 19th century, with brass hardware. Born during the 19th century, this exquisite Qing Dynasty red lacquered treasure ch...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period square shaped box from the 19th century with brass lock, metal hardware and distressed lacquer interior. Born during the 19th century, this exquisite Qi...

A charming Chinese strongbox dating to the 1920s, crafted from rich rosewood and accented with brass straps. The top features an inset piece of jade, adding a subtle but elegant foca...

19th century Chinese lacquer box from the Qing dynasty. Used as box for nails made of lacquered wood. Oriental scenes in golden. In ve...