A HUGE RETICULATED CANTON IVORY CARD CASE AND COVER, QING DYNASTY China, early 19th century. Of rectangular form, densely carved in openwork with figures in leisurely pursuits, all set in a bustling town with pavilions and trees.
Provenance: From a noted British collection of ivory works of art. Condition: Superb condition with only very minor wear, microscopic natural age cracks and nibbling.
Weight: 240.4 g Dimensions: Size 15 x 10 cm
Expert’s note: This is by far the largest of all Canton ivory card cases ever, at least in the 35-year career of this author. It therefore clearly deserves the title “Mother of all card cases”.
This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore this item can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.