Ivory nested miniature box in openwrok relief (set of eleven), by Huang Zhenxiao. Qing dynasty, Qianloing reign, 1739-China Archive

Image Number: K1G000120N000000000PAC
Dynasty: Qing dynasty
Category: Carvings
Function: Containers, stationery and games
Material: Animal/Tooth/Ivory
Description:
Crabapple shaped tooth small box, the cover is carved with chain flower patterns, and the wall is carved with ancient coin patterns, which is one of the ivory rectangular boxes. Inside, there is a small ivory pot with a lid connected by a chain. The pot has two ears and a living ring. The abdomen is embossed with the word “longevity”. There are eleven ivory boxes in the whole box, of which ten small boxes of different sizes and shapes need to be put into the largest box. Ten small boxes or fruit trays need to be put into the largest box. Ten small boxes or fruit trays need to be attached to animals, melons and fruits, or only chains need to be connected by hollowed out gourd shaped small teeth ornaments, chime shaped small teeth ornaments, all of which are of different colors; The cover and body of several small boxes are decorated with hollow patterns. The bottom of the largest box is engraved with black lettering: “Qianlong was not on the moon, and my minister Huang Zhenxiao made it respectfully.” It was completed in July of the fourth year of Qianlong’s reign. It was originally one of the cultural relics in the “Collection of Qiongzao”. Huang Zhenxiao’s small boxes with chains and lines (especially boxes) are unique skills of Guangdong dentists. They are really the acme of fine carving.