Measurements: Height 10.4in x Width 11.6in x Depth: 9.25in

Chinese Huanghuali Dressing Case, GUANPIXIANG, Of rectangular form, the cover opening above a pair of panel doors fitted flush and opening to reveal the interior with five drawers. The door decorated in deep reliefs depicted the treasure guardian, PiXiu dragons. The box is mounted with ruyi -shaped fittings, a cloud-shaped lock plate, vase-shaped pulls and flanked by a pair of U-shaped handles, all in huangtong brass. Huanghuali, or yellow flowering pear wood, Originally know as huali or hualu, the modifier huang yellowish-brown was added in the early twentieth century to describe old huali wood whose surfaces had mellowed to a yellowish tone due to long exposure to light. The color can range from reddish-brown to golden-yellow. Historical references point to Hainan Island as the main source of Huali. The sweet fragrance of huali distinguishes it from the similar appearing but pungent-adored hongmu. The finest Huanghuali has a translucent shimmering surface with abstractly figured patterns that delight the eye. Those appearing like ghost faces were highly prized.