Box Made Of Huanghuali Wood And Gilded Bronze. China, 18th Century.

Very rare Huanghuali wooden box. Original mounts in mercury-gilded cast bronze. The keyhole is chiseled with a lake landscape scene on a Sawasa-style hammered background, the two hinges are en suite, but decorated with flowering branches, plum trees and peonies (symbol of immortality). The presence of a pomegranate tree and a plum tree in the lake landscape probably also have a symbolic meaning that escapes us (however the pomegranate is a symbol of respect for traditions) as does the extraordinary zoomorphic clasp, in fact, it represents a stylized fantastic animal, springing from the waves a dragonfly body with a lingzhi head with folded dragon legs and 2 lateral wings. The 8 angles of the box were reinforced late by 8 corners in cut bronze sheets and the interior was arranged for a kit, probably for sewing. The beautiful quality of the frames, the Sawasa style and the beautiful patina of the wood allow us to think that this box is from the 18th century and at the latest the beginning of the 19th century. Good general condition, no restoration. Gilding in good condition except on the clasp where it is naturally worn. 246x157x117mm