Letter holder - Ivory - 19th century
05
days
12
hours
34
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 130
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Sarah Le Helley
Studied Asian art and art market management; researched art in Taipei; worked in auctions.
Estimate € 700 - € 850
50 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 9022 | €130 | |
|---|---|---|
 Bidder 8820 | €120 | |
| Bidder 9022 | €110 | |
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Refined ivory card box, finely carved with figurative and landscape scenes in Qing Dynasty style, dating to the 19th century, dimensions 7.3 × 4 cm, with a fully functional sliding lid; original and in excellent condition with natural patina, accompanied by a CITES certificate permitting sale within the European Union.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Refined ivory African card-box (Loxodonta africana), finely carved in the round with a complex figurative and landscape decoration, datable to 19th-century China.
The object features a rectangular structure with a perfectly functioning sliding lid. Both faces are richly relief-carved with scenes of traditional life set within an intricate river landscape, characterized by architectures, pavilions, human figures, trees and stylized mountains, executed with notable technical skill and great visual depth.
The quality of the carving is high, with excellent definition of details, typical of Chinese export production for Western collectors in the 19th century.
This type of object was used as a business card or card holder, a prestigious item highly valued among the European elites of the era.
Condition:
Perfect condition.
No cracks, restorations or losses.
Original, perfectly functioning lid.
Excellent natural patina in keeping with its age.
Dimensions
Height: 7.3 cm
Width: 4 cm
Provenance and legality:
The object is accompanied by an official CITES certificate, which fully authorizes its commercial sale.
Note: as indicated in the CITES certificate, this object can be sold and shipped exclusively within the European Union. Sales or export to non-EU countries are not permitted.
Shipping:
Professional packing with multiple protective materials and trackable shipping.
Refined ivory African card-box (Loxodonta africana), finely carved in the round with a complex figurative and landscape decoration, datable to 19th-century China.
The object features a rectangular structure with a perfectly functioning sliding lid. Both faces are richly relief-carved with scenes of traditional life set within an intricate river landscape, characterized by architectures, pavilions, human figures, trees and stylized mountains, executed with notable technical skill and great visual depth.
The quality of the carving is high, with excellent definition of details, typical of Chinese export production for Western collectors in the 19th century.
This type of object was used as a business card or card holder, a prestigious item highly valued among the European elites of the era.
Condition:
Perfect condition.
No cracks, restorations or losses.
Original, perfectly functioning lid.
Excellent natural patina in keeping with its age.
Dimensions
Height: 7.3 cm
Width: 4 cm
Provenance and legality:
The object is accompanied by an official CITES certificate, which fully authorizes its commercial sale.
Note: as indicated in the CITES certificate, this object can be sold and shipped exclusively within the European Union. Sales or export to non-EU countries are not permitted.
Shipping:
Professional packing with multiple protective materials and trackable shipping.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
19th century
No. of items
1
Country of Origin
China
Material
Ivory
Dynastic style/period
Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Attribution
Original
Height
7.3 cm
Width
4 cm
Depth
1 cm
Estimated period
1800-1850, 1850-1900
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Disclaimer
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
Bidders need to be aware that several countries do not allow importing objects derived from endangered and other protected species, even if a certificate of origin is provided. By bidding, you confirm that you have familiarised yourself with customs laws and regulations of your own country.
