Carved wooden box chenxiangmu 'Dragon', Qing Dynasty

Extraordinary circular box in shape and slightly curved in profile, with a skilfully carved exterior full of bas-relief decorations. In the centre of the lid is a large four-clawed dragon with a sinuous body and a curled tail; its face, framed by a long, luxuriant mane, has two long horns, open eyes and a large open mouth from which emerges an imposing flame with a pearl at the end. The body of the beast is surrounded by a dense tangle of thick ruyi clouds that extend over the entire outline of the box.  

On the base is an inscription "乾隆年制" surrounded by a long poem that is arranged in a circular form. Around the perimeter of both the box and the lid are two characters framed in a small square cartouche "御制". 

The inside of the box is undecorated, but the interior shows flaking and patina from the age of the piece. 

Chenxiangmu wood is one of the most highly prized woods in Chinese culture for its medicinal and aromatic qualities, and is even used as incense. There are few large figures carved from this wood, as it is extremely rare.  Qing Dynasty (1644 and 1912) 

Height: 15 cm; Diameter: 29 cm

Weight: 842 gr

Provenance:  Important European private collection.

References: 

The Palace Museum, Ref. No.: 00114586-24/120