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Vintage Chinese wooden scroll storage box with an unusually interestingcalligraphic paper label and beautiful traditional workmanship.
The box is constructed of lightweight wood andmeasures approximately 24 3/4” long x 2 3/4” wide x 2 3/4” high. The longfitted lid slides smoothly in grooves and completely removes, while thecarefully joined corners and fitted construction show the quality of thecraftsmanship. It was likely made to house a Chinese handscroll or similar workof art.
The principal inscription appears to read:
北平 唐鴻先生作品
Approximately: “Work of Mr. Tang Hong ofBeiping.”
“Beiping” is the historic Republican-era namefor Beijing, officially used from 1928–1949 and sometimes retained afterward byChinese artists living outside mainland China.
The smaller inscription appears to read:
孔德成題
Approximately: “Inscribed [or titled] by KongDecheng.”
Kong Decheng (1920–2008), a descendant ofConfucius and noted scholar and calligrapher, settled in Taiwan after 1949. A20th-century artist named Tang Hong (唐鴻, 1926–2018) is also documented inthe Taiwanese Chinese-art circle during the 1950s. The inscriptions andhistorical context therefore suggest a likely mid-20th-centuryChinese/Taiwanese origin, probably circa 1950s–1960s.
The original artwork or scroll is no longerpresent, and the inscriptions and possible artist association have not beenprofessionally authenticated. The box is being offered as found.
Very good vintage condition with attractiveage, patina and expected surface wear. Portions of old paper labels remain onthe underside. Please see all photographs for condition.
An interesting survivor in its own right andan attractive piece for a collection of Chinese art, calligraphy, scholar’sobjects, scrolls or Asian antiques.
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