. A large box with the outer surfaces of both cover and container elaborately and skilfully decorated with scrolling patterns featuring dragons, phoenixes and human figures. The cover further decorated with inlaid semi-precious stones. At each end of the cover are taotie ring handles. Length 37.5cm, width 18.5cm, height 18cm, weight 8.75kg. Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220) or later.
For reference: a much simpler pottery version of this type of box is shown in the 1996 book “Chinese Ceramics The New Standard Guide” where it is described as a “covered box for food” and dated to the Eastern Han.
Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.