Lot 640: Chinese mother-of-pearl inlaid and brass bound

Chinese mother-of-pearl inlaid and brass bound lacquered box, qian lei dian qi bei he, painted red four-character mark reads 'Izawa family library in Kyoto'

15th-16th century

Of cuboid form, inlaid to all sides with quatrefoil cartouches in reverse on a diaper ground, the hinged cover reveals a silk-lined interior, raised on a shaped aproned base.

H: 5 L: 4 1/8 W: 4 1/8 in



PROVENANCE:

NOTE: The narrative inlay is typical of Ming lacquer work, it is likely that the four scenes depict virtuous government-an emperor who is deemed worthy to rule by sages, the scene on the cover possibly comes from the Ming novel 'Journey to the West.'