Precious Pair of Chinese Ivory Pagodas, XIX Century.

Charming pair of Chinese pagodas made up of real ox bone plates. These two pieces are very old, dating from the 19th century. The ox bone plates they are made of have been delicately hand-engraved with traditional, decorative and animal motives. The pagodas are exactly the same. The two pieces have square-shaped bases, wider than the rest. Just on the base there is a similar though smaller piece. Over this small part we can see the central body, stylized and whose front part has two delicate symmetrical doors. If we lift the bolt (also made of ox bone) and pull the small knobs, the doors will open to let us see a small Buda figure sitting in an attitude of meditation. Both pagodas are covered by hipped roofs with a typically Oriental design, crowned by an ox bone piece depicting a closed flower. As stated before, the ox bone plates which form both pagodas are hand-engraved with decorative embossed designs. The base and the inner part of the doors bear floral motives, while the roof and the sides are decorated with dragons and sea waves. On the other hand, the doors show two male figures dressed in a traditional way. Both pagodas are complete, with no broken or missing parts; they are really well preserved. In essence we find ourselves looking at two striking Chinese antiques, both decorative and valuable. Measurements: Width: 80 mm. Height: 170 mm.