A Chinese Export Box (SOLD)
China
Circa 1780
Huanghuali wood
The box was designed to look as if it was made from a hollowed piece of naturally decorative wood whereas in fact it was skillfully carved to give this effect.
Length 28 cm depth 19 cm height 17 cm (11 x 7.5 x 7 in)
A virtually identical example is held in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England. See The China Trade 1600-1860 by Patrick Conner The Royal Pavillion Art Gallery and Museums pub. with the assistance of the J. Paul Getty Trust. p.117 illus. 160