
Mark Rasmussen
International Director
Sold for US$10,075 inc. premium
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德格 藏東 約十五世紀 鐵鋄金盒
This highly detailed case has an intricate openwork design depicting the long, sinuous body of a dragon undulating through dense vegetal waters and emerging skyward with its face at the center of the lid. The base has a central shou symbol. An embroidered silk-lined box cover, possibly original to the container, has survived with it. The workmanship is characteristic of decorative metalwork from Derge in Eastern Tibet, and its subject speaks to Derge's proximity to China.
Metal containers of this type were used by nomadic Tibetans to protect their treasured Chinese jade and porcelain bowls during travel. The fittings on either side allow for a leather strap to secure the container to a person or horse. Two closely related bowl cases were sold at Sotheby's, New York, 20 March 2001, lots 144 & 145, and another is in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, (Chen (ed.), Splendid Accessories of Nomadic Peoples, Taipei, 2017).
Provenance
Private US Collection, acquired in 1990
Private Californian Collection