Antique Chinese Export Red Gilt Lacquer Work Box Writing Slope Drawer 19th C

Overview

An antique Chinese export black, red and gold lacquer work box with canted corners, a stepped lid and a lower drawer fitted with a small hinged writing slope. The lid has a central scene of pavilions, a gateway and figures in red and gold, framed by a key-fret and scrolling flower border, with gilt scrolling foliage and dotted bands on the sloping sides. The front shows gilt garden pavilions, willows and figures between large leaf sprays, and the ends have gilt pavilion panels. Inside the drawer, the hinged writing slope is decorated with two figures beside a pavilion and trees inside a gilt scroll border, with a pen trough and a side compartment next to it. The lid opens to an empty, dark-lined upper compartment. It suits a desk, side table or shelf.

Background

Chinese export lacquer boxes combining a sewing compartment with a writing drawer were made for Western buyers during the 19th century, usually with fitted trays and tools, which are no longer present here. This example is unmarked and probably first half to mid-19th century. It is of wood construction with brass hinges, a lid hasp, two front keyholes (one for the lid and one for the drawer) and a brass bail handle on one end.

Condition

Poor to fair antique condition, sold as found and not restored. A long split runs through one corner of the lid with separation and losses, the opposite back corner has large lacquer losses, and there is a crack across the center of the lid. The lacquer is widely cracked and crazed, with flaking and losses exposing the wood on the corners, edges and drawer front, and rubbing to the red and gilt decoration. Inside, the lid lacquer is cracked with losses along the rim, and the upper compartment is empty with no tray or tools. The underside is scratched with losses at the corners. The handle on one end is missing, no key is included and the locks have not been tested; the lid opens and closes properly. Please see all photos.

Dimensions & Weight

The box measures about 5 x 13 x 9 inches (H x W x D) and weighs about 4 lb 2.8 oz.

Shipping

Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.