Antique Chinese Red and Gold Lacquer Box Circa 1900

An antique hand-painted and hand-made Chinese red lacquer box with decorated with multiple garden scenes.

 

Thin lightweight wood has been used to form a lidded box. The box was then covered in a red lacquer and then painted with a gold and lacquers on all surfaces except the bottom. Even the inside of the lid has been painted. The paintings are of various garden scenes. The scene on the lid is very elaborate with people enjoying themselves in a garden with a lake, teahouse, and garden.

 

The box has brass strip hinges and an opening plate. The base is maroon with a pattern. It may have rested on fabric when manufactured.

 

MEASUREMENTS

 

4 ¾” (12.1 cm) long x 3 1/8” (7.9 cm) wide x 1 ½” (3.8 cm) tall. Weighs 4.7 oz (135 g)

 

CONDITION

 

Other than the corners of the base, which show small lacquer loss, there are no breaks, chips, cracks, or repairs. There is crazing to the lacquer throughout, and wear to the base. The brass hinge shows patina from age.