A TWO-TIERED SOAPSTONE INCENSE BOX AND COVER

17TH CENTURY

DIAMETER: 8.2CM;
HEIGHT: 5.3CM

The cover of the box is carved in low relief with a landscape scene of a pavilion overlooking mountains and streams, while the sides of the two-tiered box are conformingly decorated with mountain landscapes within bordered registers. The interiors of the boxes and cover are enhanced with gold lacquer.

SIMILAR EXAMPLE
The shape of the box is reminiscent of lacquer boxes of similar shapes produced for holding incense. A soapstone example, however, is more difficult to find. A fan-shaped soapstone lidded box with gold painted decoration to its interior, is published in Arts of the Scholar’s Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, pp. 144–145, Catalogue No. 115.

十七世紀壽山石浮雕金彩漆雙層香盒