Lot 58

Fine Chinese Scholar’s Display Cabinet Housing an Extensive Collection of Carved Hardstone, Hardwood & Ivory-Style Miniature Animal and Auspicious Figural Sculptures, 20th Century

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Lot 58
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Fine Chinese Scholar’s Display Cabinet Housing an Extensive Collection of Carved Hardstone, Hardwood & Ivory-Style Miniature Animal and Auspicious Figural Sculptures, 20th Century
Fine Chinese Scholar’s Display Cabinet Housing an Extensive Collection of Carved Hardstone, Hardwood & Ivory-Style Miniature Animal and Auspicious Figural Sculptures, 20th Century
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3 image_4 image_5 image_6 image_7 image_8 image_9 image_10 image_11 image_12 image_13 image_14 image_15 image_16 image_17 image_18 image_19 image_20 image_21 image_22 image_23

Fine Chinese Scholar’s Display Cabinet Housing an Extensive Collection of Carved Hardstone, Hardwood & Ivory-Style Miniature Animal and Auspicious Figural Sculptures, 20th Century

Current Bid: $160

(12 Bids)
by California Auction Company LLC
August 1, 2026 9:00 AM PDT
Live Auction
1212 E. Harding Way
Stockton, CA, US 95205

An impressive Chinese scholar's display cabinet of traditional form, crafted with an intricately arranged geometric "floating" shelf interior inspired by classical Chinese furniture design. The cabinet features a glazed locking door, carved scrolling crest and apron, and a warm, richly figured hardwood finish, providing an elegant architectural setting for an extensive collection of miniature carvings. The display contains approximately forty-plus miniature carvings executed in a variety of materials including dark hardwood, ebony-type woods, pale green hardstone resembling jade or serpentine, resin or composite ivory-style carvings, lacquered material, and decorative metal-mounted ornaments. Subjects include numerous auspicious animals and symbolic figures such as elephants, rabbits, squirrels, frogs, turtles, birds, monkeys, mice, roosters, fish, bears, chickens, Budai (Laughing Buddha), Shoulao, mythical creatures, zodiac-inspired animals, and other traditional motifs associated with longevity, prosperity, abundance, wisdom, and good fortune in Chinese decorative arts. Highlights include several finely carved hardwood netsuke-style animal figures, pale green hardstone elephants and bears, carved monkey groups, miniature buckets with mice, frogs, tortoises upon lotus leaves, Budai masks, longevity figures, and an intricately decorated jeweled bonsai tree ornament. A carved cinnabar-style longevity egg displayed upon a fitted stand further enhances the presentation. While the individual carvings vary in age, material, and execution, together they create an exceptionally attractive cabinet of curiosities evocative of a traditional Chinese scholar's studio or collector's cabinet. The architectural shelving itself serves as an elegant display piece, allowing each carving to be appreciated individually while presenting the collection as a cohesive decorative ensemble. An engaging and highly decorative collection well suited for display in Asian art collections, interiors, libraries, or cabinets of curiosities.

  • Literature: Comparable examples of Chinese scholar's display cabinets and miniature carvings illustrated in: Sarah Handler, Chinese Furniture: Scholars' Studio and Beyond. Wang Shixiang, Connoisseurship of Chinese Furniture. Craig Clunas, Chinese Art. Jan Stuart & Evelyn Rawski, Worshiping the Ancestors: Chinese Commemorative Portraits and Related Decorative Arts.
  • Circa: Cabinet: Late 20th century. Collection: Primarily late 20th century with examples of varying dates and manufacture.
  • Condition: Overall very good decorative condition. Cabinet presents well with light age-appropriate wear including minor surface marks, small finish wear, and expected handling wear. Glass door intact and shelving structurally sound. Collection appears generally well preserved with minor wear consistent with age and use. Some carvings vary in material, age, and quality of execution. Cabinet and contents sold together as illustrated.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50