Vintage Chinese Zitan Wood Box With Mother of Pearl Bats & Fortune Coin Inlay - Prosperity Motif

Details

Description

This beautifully crafted rectangular box is a fine example of traditional Chinese mixed-media artistry. The lid features a highly auspicious … Read more This beautifully crafted rectangular box is a fine example of traditional Chinese mixed-media artistry. The lid features a highly auspicious motif:

Central Medallion: A golden "coin" (representing wealth) featuring Chinese characters, likely reading "招财进宝" (Attracting Wealth and Treasures).

Flanking Motifs: Two stylized bats rendered in white and blue Mother of Pearl (shell). In Chinese culture, the word for "bat" (蝠) is a homophone for "blessings" or "good fortune" (福).

Auspicious Clouds: Scattered shell inlay clouds add texture and symbolize good luck.

Key Features:

Artistry: The standout feature is the detailed multi-color shell inlay. The bats, clouds, and coin are crafted from iridescent shell, creating a shimmering contrast against the dark wood.

Symbolism: The combination of bats and coins is a classic Chinese symbol for "Blessings and Wealth" (福在眼前). It is considered a powerful Feng Shui piece.

Hardware: Features a traditional round brass latch and hinges with a lovely aged patina.

Material: Crafted from solid wood with a dark reddish-brown hue and visible, pronounced vertical grain lines. The wood has a rich, aged patina.

Interior: The interior is clean and empty, making it perfect for storing jewelry, tea accessories, incense, or valuables. See less