Antique Carved Box with Auspicious Symbols, China (16000TRK) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

Finely crafted antique boxes like this were often used to store jewelry and valuables in the top and money in the side drawer with teardrop metal pull. We were told they were called “lucky money boxes” It may have been a gift from parents to wish newlyweds a harmonious, successful and happy life. The auspicious carved images are wishes for a good, healthy, prosperous and long life and the written phrases relate to fertility and bearing of sons. The fu lions on the front are strong and powerful mythical animals  and symbolize protection and harmony. A lion image is also a pun for Taishi, a wish to achieving the highest social rank. Five petal plum blossom on the top inside and outside frame above the drawer are a wish for the Five Blessings:  health, wealth, longevity, having a virtuous life virtue and a peaceful death. The fan in the center symbolizes Han Zongli, the most popular of the  Eight Immortals. Both he and his fan are popular symbols of longevity and a homophone for virtue and goodness. The characters on the rear are the poetic phrase “The flowers bloom in full moon,” and the one on the top mean  “Blue mountain and bright mirror.” The moon represents female energy (yin) and fertility, implicitly a wish for many sons to carry on the family legacy. The bottom inscription is not totally legible but may have something to do with the date of the piece. It has a lacquer coating which has naturally darkened over time and is in excellent condition.