Origin & date
Document the original box’s source, the evidence for its dating and what can be established.
ZHENDAO振道
We Shape Time.
SERIES 02 · TIME
TIME.
An object worth collecting.
A cigar has its origins.
So should its home.
Between collecting a cigar and opening the box, life happens. ZHENDAO creates an object for that time — bringing the language of Chinese making into the everyday ritual of collecting.
Its past began before you.
Its future is yours to cherish.
1900–1950.
Someone ground shell into delicate slivers, setting landscapes into the smallest of spaces. A wooden box held the taste and patience of its age.
The world changed. Lives parted, families moved.
Names have faded from memory; mother-of-pearl still catches the light, revealing its miniature mountains and rivers.
ZHENDAO seeks out surviving originals, honours their appearance and rebuilds their interiors in cedar. The work of earlier hands finds a place in the collections of today.
Twelve pieces a year. Each one of a kind.
The life it once belonged to may remain unknown.
From now on, the lamplight on your desk, evenings shared and moments alone will become its new provenance.
We Shape Time.
Entrusting the years of one life to another.
WE SHAPE TIME.
Explore TIANXIAThe object archive
One piece. Its own provenance.
Craft & character
Record the wood, decoration and original techniques, preserving identifiable traces of age.
Restoration & refitting
Explain which original elements remain and the extent of the new cedar interior.
Unique identity
Keep photographs, dimensions, capacity and restoration records together in the archive for that piece.
Documentation will be presented with each individual piece.
ZHENDAO CARE
Beyond the moment
of ownership.
An object’s relationship with ZHENDAO need not end at delivery. Our care programme is designed around continued support for registered pieces.
01
Maintenance
Support for continued use.
02
Restoration assessment
Care options are assessed according to the materials and condition of each original.
03
Damage protection
Coverage subject to the selected plan.
04
Object registration
A record for each registered piece.
Benefits, fees, duration and regional availability are subject to the formal service terms and entitlement card. Confirm international coverage before purchase.
Use & care
A considered first opening.
On arrival
Check the shell, inner box and accessories. If you find transit damage, photograph it, retain the packaging and contact the seller to agree the next steps.
Before first use
Wipe the inner box gently with a soft, dry cloth. Set up your humidifier or humidity packs as instructed, and monitor conditions with a hygrometer before adding your collection.
Opening with care
Each original box has its own opening and care requirements. Follow the instructions supplied with the piece. Support the base when moving it rather than bearing the whole weight on original handles.
Everyday care
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Check temperature, humidity and your humidification setup regularly. Do not pour water into the wooden box or use strongly scented cleaners.
You may be wondering.
Is each piece truly one of a kind?
One design is presented each month, with just one piece available. Each original has its own grain, decoration and traces of time.
What are the dimensions and capacity?
Each original has different proportions. Dimensions, capacity and interior layout will be provided with each individual piece.
Can I order internationally?
International sales are being prepared. Pricing, destination, shipping, duties, payment and delivery timing must be confirmed in a written quotation.
Purchase & delivery
Consider every detail before choosing.
- 01
Discuss your needs
Confirm the destination, your collection needs, and whether the enquiry is for a private purchase or distribution.
- 02
Confirm the quotation
Before payment, agree the price, currency, accessories, care benefits, shipping charges and responsibility for duties.
- 03
Plan the delivery
Confirm preparation and transit times separately, and understand packaging, arrival checks and the process for transit damage.
Care, clearly agreed.
Confirm the duration, fees, regions covered and return shipping costs for maintenance, replacement and damage protection in the formal care terms and entitlement card before purchase.
Private collection · Trade enquiries
Your story
starts here.
Tell us about your collection or market. Submitting opens a prefilled email to hello@zhendao.co. Review it in your email app and press Send.