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Overview
A vintage Chinese leather-wrapped wooden box, hand painted on every side. The lid shows two children playing in a garden, one crouching and one standing, with a peach on a string between them beneath a tree in red and orange blossom. The front has rocks and a gold-leaved tree around a brass hasp, and the back shows a rocky bank and a flowering tree on a gold ground. Each end has a red stylized character and red scrollwork above an iron ring handle. The lid lifts to a paper-lined interior. It suits a dresser, desk or shelf for jewelry, letters or keepsakes.
Background
Leather-covered wooden boxes painted with auspicious scenes were made in China for storing clothing, documents and dowry goods. Children at play stand for many descendants and the peach for long life, and the red character on each end is 壽 (shou), meaning "longevity." The box comes with its original sales receipt from Holder Antiques Ltd., Greensboro, North Carolina, dated June 24, 1990, which describes it as a "Handpainted Chinese Box ca. 1940." The receipt is included with the sale. The circa 1940 date is the dealer's attribution and has not been independently confirmed.
Condition
Good vintage condition. The hasp closes properly; no lock or key is included. There is rubbing and paint loss along the edges and corners, small chips, scattered scratches and paint flecks, and some splitting in the finish along the lid seam. The paper lining is aged and stained, and the black base has scratches. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The box measures about 8.5 x 5.8 x 4.5 inches (L x W x H) and weighs 15.8 oz.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US, packed securely.
