CARVED LACQUER INCENSE BOX AND COVER
MING DYNASTY, 16TH-EARLY 17TH CENTURY
6.2 cm diameter, 2.8 cm high
The small circular box stands on a foot ring, the straight sides of both box and cover carved with a key-fret border. The flat surface of the cover is carved in relief with a Buddhist figure, probably representing Budai, walking along a shore on bare feet, and wearing loose robes that reveal his belly and chest. The figure holds a long staff in his right hand, resting on his shoulder. His left hand holds a tasseled fan. The ground of the cover is carved with two fine geometric patterns resembling water and land. The plain base and interiors of the box and cover are applied with a layer of black lacquer.
Provenance:
Formerly in a private Japanese collection
Ben Janssens Oriental Art, London
Published:
Ben Janssens Oriental Art, Chinese Boxes, London, 2012, cat. no. 2