Pair of embedded boxes, Qing dynasty, Daoguang

Pair of carved wooden boxes. The silhouette is square, flattened, petal-shaped and decorated with embedded decoration of mother-of-pearl, bone and hard stones. On each of the covers there is an elephant standing opposite each other and a sage on a luxurious fabric on its back. 

The Taiping term "太平有象" is a traditional Chinese auspicious pattern represented by an elephant. The meaning is peace in the world and good harvests. 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 5.5 x 8 cm; Weight: 315 g