BOX WITH THE IMMORTAL SU SHE FLYING ON A CRANE.
Korea. Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). 19th c.

Najeonchilgi - paper with lacquer; inlay from mother-of-pearl from abalone; partly engraved. Inside and underneath lacquerd black. The oval box in fourfold lobed form of a melon blossom with convex sides. The top of the lid and the bottom of the box are equally recessed. The sides covered by dense leaf tendrils. The top of the lid is decorated with a depiction of the immortal Su She; riding on his flying crane over fine stylized waves. These thicker inlays are structured with fine engraved lines; such as the face of the gentleman; his garment and the bird's plumage. Whether the brown color of the lacquer in the background was originally intended; or has faded from black; remains unclear.

Characteristic for 19th c. works are the thick; engraved mother-of-pearl on the lid and the shape of the box. Similar shapes are found in Japanese lacquer boxes. H.4.8cm; 10.4x8.5cm. Inside the lid a label: "8 Japan. 7. Juli. 300;-". A loose label: 25 / 24 Snogschale. Browned; some inlay missing; partly brittle; inside with cracks.

Provenance:
-Collection Dr. Franz Haniel (1883-1965); since then bequest of the family estate.