Officer's Ink Box Table

c. 1850
$1,880 USD SOLD
Dimensions
W: 8.0" D: 8.0" H: 20.5"
Materials
Northern Elmwood
Lacquer
Steel
Collection #
BJG012
Estimated Shipping
$388

This 19th-century square box was once used by a Qing-dynasty official to elegantly store his calligraphy ink and custom seal. Previously an esteemed military officer, the official would have retired into the more contemplative occupation of a poet and scholar. Curating all elements of his studio for creative inspiration, the official likely decorated this elmwood ink box himself with a traditional "shan shui" landscape painting. Above the quiet river scenery reads "this wonderful autumn landscape that I see from my window inspires my poetry." Elevated by straight steel legs, this petite box becomes an unusual side table, perfect as a surface for drinks and to hide household clutter.

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What They're Saying

Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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