Chinese Woven Bamboo on Metal Cosmetic Box Circa 1920

A pretty work of art that has minute tightly woven bamboo threads encasing a round-lidded metal box. A bowl of peaches is painted on one side and a bowl of perhaps bok choy on the other. The metal is very soft and could be pewter or some other alloy containing either tin or lead.

There are two round metal loops to attach the box to a chatelaine or cord. The base of the box is lined with paper or cardboard. This cardboard has a perfume smell from the cosmetics that were stored in it.

MEASUREMENTS
2 1/8” (5.4 cm) diameter x 5/8” (1.6 cm) thick. Weighs 1.0 oz (30 g)

CONDITION
There are dents and losses to the inner flange of the box. The edge of the lip on the lid has a break on one side. This has allowed the brass rim overlay to separate for a short distance. There is paint loss to the designs on both the top and bottom. The loss on the bottom is more pronounced. The wicker is in good shape.

An unusual delicate bamboo and metal cosmetic box that is so tightly and expertly woven. A piece of woven art from the past.