A massive 'five clawed dragon' hardwood storage chest, Qing dynasty, 19th century.
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Of rectangular shape, decorated to the front panel with two fierce five clawed dragons facing each other and chasing the flaming pearl. A round lockplate with decoration. Handles to the sides for carrying. Measure 94.5x56x50 cm. Height with later wooden stand 75.5 cm.
Restored, later metal brackets to the interior. Cracks, chips.
Provenance
From the Collection of John von Matern (1868-1928), thence by descent. John von Matern was a Swedish entrepenur, industrialist and politician. He was head of the London office for Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags Aktiebolag, and a member of the board, from 1920 and onwards. According to the family this chest was purchased by him and his wife Yvonne Gardell-Ericson (daughter of the artists Johnan Ericson and Anna Gardell-Ericson) when they lived in London 1920-1928. Thence by descent.
Exhibitions
Compare with smaller boxes that often are decorated on all sides, see for example lot 1234, Christies, Hong Kong, May 30th 2006. The Imperial Sale.
More information
These large chest must have been made for clothes, and avoided decoration on the top so that they could be stacked on top of each other.