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A PAIR OF CHINESE "DUOBAOGE" DISPLAY CABINETS FOR THE KANG, LATE QING TO REPUBLIC PERIOD, 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Display cabinets (duobaoge 多寶格) were essential furnishings in Chinese scholars' studios, serving both aesthetic appreciation and spiritual delight. This miniature pair was conceived as tabletop or kang (炕) display units.
The striking mass-void balance on the facade, with intimate display niches pierced by circular 'moon gate' apertures and foliate scrollwork, all intended for close viewing of meticulously arranged scholar's objects (wenwan 文玩), such as snuff bottles, toggles, seals, and small vessels. The above beauty is further graced with refined beaded moulding and enhanced by the lively feathered grain of chicken-wing wood (jichimu 雞翅木). The central drawer is highlighted by a crisp foliate scrollwork frieze depicting interlaced tendrils and stylized blossoms, symbolizing continuous growth, renewal, and prosperity.
The excellent preservation of this pair demonstrates superior examples of literati furnishing, functional yet imbued with symbolic richness, embodying both the cultural refinement and material luxury of the Qing scholar's environment. The survival of such a pair intact offer valuable insight into how Chinese scholarly furniture was originally conceived and employed within domestic settings.
清多寶格小櫃(對)多寶格乃文人書齋必備之器,既供美學品賞,亦為精神愉悅。此微型成對者,設計為案頭或炕上陳設之用。
正面虛實相間,層次分明,私密陳設龕以圓形月洞門與花葉卷草紋透雕,皆為近距細賞精心排列文玩之需,如鼻煙壺、佩件、印章、小器等物。上述之美更以精細串珠線腳裝飾,並以雞翅木之活潑羽紋增色。中央抽屜飾以清晰花葉卷草帶,描繪纏枝蔓草與程式化花卉,象徵生生不息、更新與昌盛。
95cm high; 49.8cm wide; 21.5cm deep
Unsold
Lot 253
Display cabinets (duobaoge 多寶格) were essential furnishings in Chinese scholars' studios, serving both aesthetic appreciation and spiritual delight. This miniature pair was conceived as tabletop or kang (炕) display units.
The striking mass-void balance on the facade, with intimate display niches pierced by circular 'moon gate' apertures and foliate scrollwork, all intended for close viewing of meticulously arranged scholar's objects (wenwan 文玩), such as snuff bottles, toggles, seals, and small vessels. The above beauty is further graced with refined beaded moulding and enhanced by the lively feathered grain of chicken-wing wood (jichimu 雞翅木). The central drawer is highlighted by a crisp foliate scrollwork frieze depicting interlaced tendrils and stylized blossoms, symbolizing continuous growth, renewal, and prosperity.
The excellent preservation of this pair demonstrates superior examples of literati furnishing, functional yet imbued with symbolic richness, embodying both the cultural refinement and material luxury of the Qing scholar's environment. The survival of such a pair intact offer valuable insight into how Chinese scholarly furniture was originally conceived and employed within domestic settings.
清多寶格小櫃(對)多寶格乃文人書齋必備之器,既供美學品賞,亦為精神愉悅。此微型成對者,設計為案頭或炕上陳設之用。
正面虛實相間,層次分明,私密陳設龕以圓形月洞門與花葉卷草紋透雕,皆為近距細賞精心排列文玩之需,如鼻煙壺、佩件、印章、小器等物。上述之美更以精細串珠線腳裝飾,並以雞翅木之活潑羽紋增色。中央抽屜飾以清晰花葉卷草帶,描繪纏枝蔓草與程式化花卉,象徵生生不息、更新與昌盛。
95cm high; 49.8cm wide; 21.5cm deep
Estimate $2,500 - $3,500
Overall in good condition.
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