Antique Chinese Export Gilt Lacquer Box Figural Garden Scenes Black Red 6.5 in

Overview

An antique Chinese export lacquer box decorated with gilt figural garden scenes on the lid and all four sides. The lid has a black ground with a shaped central panel showing figures gathered around a red table in a garden courtyard, beside a pavilion and willow trees. This panel is framed by red and gold flowers and butterflies, with an outer band of gold feathered leaves. The front and back have a gold ground with black hatched scrolling flowers around black panels painted in gold with pavilions, trees and figures, and one end shows a single figure standing near a garden building. A brass keyhole escutcheon sits at the center of the front. The box suits a shelf, desk, dresser or display cabinet, and can hold small keepsakes.

Background

Lacquer boxes of this kind were made in China, mainly around Canton, for export to Western buyers through the 19th and early 20th centuries, and pavilion and garden scenes were among the most common designs. This box is unmarked and dates to about the late 19th or early 20th century. It is made of wood, with a hinged lid on two brass hinges, a brass lock plate inside the front, a reddish-brown interior, a black lid underside and a red lacquered base.

Condition

Fair antique condition with heavy wear. There is a crack across the center of the lid, a vertical crack on the front, and fine crazing over the painted surfaces. The edges and corners have many areas of lacquer loss showing the pale ground beneath, with the largest loss along the top edge of one end. The base is scratched and worn, and the interior has small losses. No key is included and the lock has not been tested. No restoration has been done. Please see all photos.

Dimensions & Weight

The box is 3.5 inches high, 6.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep (H x W x D) and weighs about 11.8 oz.

Shipping

Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.