This wonderful basket is a rare find from China's southern water village Ning Bo. Refined carvings of auspicious objects such as Ru Yi and flower pots symbolize good fortune. Scrolls of books and coins express wishes for wisdom and continuous prosperity. Longevity scrolls decorating the sides of the stand bring blessings of good health. Four foo dogs proudly crown the basket, guarding the treasures. The exercise of delicate artistry in a substantial piece is the distinctive style of southern craftsmanship. Original iron handles. Four stacking trays.
Such a basket would have been used by a wealthy family to carry food from kitchen to dining rooms in weddings, birthday day banquets for family patriarch and matriarch, birth of a child and other major family entertaining events.
Solid wood. Tenon and mortise.
19th century
36" w x 25.5" d x 42" h