Description
This artifact is made from a walnut shell and divided into upper and lower segments. The lower segment is intricately carved into a basket pattern with coin motifs, whereas the upper segment is carved with lush flowers from all four seasons, including spring peonies, camellias, magnolias, roses, and hydrangeas; summer lotuses; autumn chrysanthemums; and winter plum blossoms. Within a small space, each flower is clearly discernible, showcasing the artisan’s skillful carving. The top of the walnut has a small hole, whereas the bottom of the basket has a wide round opening, designed to hold spices and to be attached to fan handles or walking sticks. The joining section of the two shell halves is carved into the handle of the basket, and the craftsman has inscribed in it black-filled cursive script: “Made by Chen Zi-yun on an early-winter day of the year of Yichou.” Chen was likely an early Qing dynasty carver from the Suzhou area. The inscription “early-winter day of the year of Yichou” corresponds to either October 1685 (Kangxi era) or 1745 (Qianlong era).