#6681 • Vietnamese Minh Mang Period Wood Lotus Box

Part of Royal Artifacts of Vietnam & Fine Jewelry (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $25,000-$28,000 Vietnamese Nguyen Dynasty Minh Mang Period Imperial Lacquered Wood Lotus Offering Box W/Hundred Boys Motif & Four Character Reign Mark - This spectacular piece is a hand carved wooden offering bowl from the Minh Mang reign of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam. The bowl is of lotus form, and is elaborately decorated in multi-colored lacquers depicting the "Hundred Boys" motif. The lid of the box is decorated with the frolicking boys, climbing trees and playing in a fountain of water. The motif alludes to continuing the family line, marital blessings and lots of children, and also implies fun, happiness, carefree and innocence. The outside perimeter of the lid is beautifully decorated with an ornate geometrical background and panels containing floral scenes. The lower half of the box is decorated with lotus petals around the edge, which are each individually decorated with various floral motifs. The bottom of the box is left undecorated, and bears a four character Minh Mang reign mark. This piece has excellent investment potential, as it is thought by experts around the world and avid collectors that due to the rapid modernization of Vietnam, Vietnamese antiques will within the next ten years be more valuable than Chinese antiques. According to some of the most expert collectors in the world, what used to sell for hundreds are now selling for tens of thousands. Measurements (approximate): 15"H x 20"D.