A CHINESE ROSEWOOD INLAID WITH INCISED MOTHER-OF-PEARL CROSS

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Macao, 18th century

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The crucifix overall decorated with flower sprays.

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H. 50.8 x W. 26 cm

Note:

The three upper terminals of the cross correspond to a design known as the cross “botonée”, used in Western heraldry as well as religious art where the three lobes are said to represent the Trinity.

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A similar cross, slightly larger, in the collection of the well known Tokyo dealer Sakamoto Goro (b. 1923) was recently sold in Christie’s (European Courts encounter Japan, 11 May 2015, lot 14). It was exhibited and published in the exhibition catalogue (cat. no. 116) of a special inaugural exhibition in 2005 in the Kyushu National Museum in Japan.