Wood Lantern Basket, Qing
December 2012 Auction by Far East Asian Art

Beautifully designed and constructed of curved wood staves with a wrapped bamboo handle, this lidded container was used to carry tools needed by lamp lighters on their rounds. Five bands of ornamental carving encircle the basket. The lid is centered with a round carving representing the four points of the compass, and the base is carved with a diaper pattern in key design...