Bhutanese Part Gilded Repousse Betel Nut Box

Worn smooth on the upper face; the substantial rectangular 'brick' stamped to the side edges: '大一甲 袁洪德造 da yi jia, Yuan Hongde zao (size of the brick, made by Yuan Hongde) 督造官江南蘇州府知府魁元 (under the supervisor Kui Yuan of Jiangnang, Suzhou) 乾隆十八年成造细料二尺二寸見方金磚 (18th year of Qianlong (1754), square gold brick)'; accompanied by a low wooden table frame. 104.3 kg total, 72 x 72 x 37 cm



with the owner's family since the early 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11916-204597.

Also known as jinzhuan, Golden Bricks are produced from a finite iron-rich soil, crafted by a team of people over a period of 2-3 years, using a process involving 29 distinct procedures. The bricks produce a metallic sound when induced to do so and have an internal structure which is so fine that the pores of the clay can hardly be seen. Historically, golden bricks were reserved for the use of emperors and the construction of their palaces, first appearing during the reign of Emperor Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), produced in Suzhou under imperial order to be used for paving the floors of the imperial palaces, monasteries and mausoleums in Beijing; they are witnesses to history and embody the wisdom of the ancients.

Piriform bodied with two opposed Tao Tie, each holding a free-running ring in its mouth, further decorated with a shallow incised dragon to one face and a figure holding a cup on the other, together with an inscription in Chinese; tripod feet formed as squatting animals; restoration to the rings and feet. 3.8 kg, 35.5 cm high



with Galerie Golconda May 2006. Ex private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence report no.11270306 from Laboratory Ralf Kotalla dated 5 May 2006.

Dragons in ancient Chinese art could be religious symbols, representatives of clans and creatures linking man to the spirit world. The Tao Tie often evoked mystery and beauty.

The ornate body with elaborate foliate motifs, three with central cells set with polished stones; red leather strap. 447 grams, 26.5 cm



Acquired in Germany. Property of RWM Collection.