•    Primary Material: Wood (Camphor / Rosewood family)

    •    Age: 1900-1940 (Late Qing to Republic Period)

    •    Region of Origin: China

    •    Original/Reproduction: Antique Original

    •    Type: Boxes

    •    Dimensions: Approximately 13 inches x 8 inches x 2 inches (33 cm x 20.3 cm x 5.1 cm)

    •    Weight: 1.69 lbs (approx. 766 grams)

Item Description:

This is a beautiful, authentic vintage/antique Chinese scholar's desk box featuring an incredibly detailed, high-relief carved narrative lid. This is a substantial, collector-sized piece measuring roughly 13" x 8" x 2" and weighing 1.69 lbs before packaging.

Design & Symbolism:

The lid features a classic shanshui (mountain-water) landscape depicting two scholars or sages navigating a traditional boat along swirling river currents. In the background, a multi-tiered pagoda anchors the scene alongside stylized scrolling clouds. In Chinese art, this motif symbolizes scholarly retreat, freedom from societal pressures, and a path toward spiritual clarity.

Construction & Collector Notes:

    •    Original Gold Leaf Gilding: Close-up inspection reveals authentic remnants of original gold leaf gilding (miaojin) embedded deep within the architectural grooves of the building roof, confirming its original status as a high-end luxury desk accessory.

    •    Handcrafted Joinery: This is a fully bench-made piece showcasing traditional interlocking joinery. The inner lip features hand-carved carpenter assembly registry marks (including the Chinese numeral "二"), used by the artisan to perfectly match the lid to its base during creation.

    •    Historical Ink Patina: The raw wood interior displays authentic, deep black ink staining embedded into the grain, confirming its historical use as a functional calligrapher’s or inkstone storage box.

    •    Condition: Honest, antique condition with beautiful character. Shows expected surface wear, fading to the original red lacquer tint, and minor flaking to the green side-rim finish. No structural cracks or major missing pieces to the relief carving. The wood remains stable.

Please review all photos closely to evaluate the excellent depth of the carving, the trace gilding, and the exact condition of the wood.

Shipping & Handling:

Packaged with extreme care to ensure safe arrival. Fast shipping.

Notes: stamped “AFB” by customs likely in 1940’s before this box could travel back to America. Also, looks to be a makers mark in 1 corner, but very faint and hard to distinguish.