Lacquer technique on wood with gold, metal and ivory. China, Cantonese, Qing, 19th cent.
A very rich and complexly crafted work. Octogonal box on four separately carved bat legs and with lid on hinges. Inside large oval mirror, as well as many little compartments, partly with lid and decorative knob. Wide separate lower drawer, also with compartments. Detail-rich lacquer painting inside as outside. Palace scene with figures on the lid, different floral borders. On the sides within lobed reserves are also lierati (idealized official clerks) with servant boys etc. Inside is finest tendrilous ornament, on the lid also court scenes and landscape. The ivory inserts are partly with carved little pots for makeup. There are also two ivory miniature vices, finely decorated and one with a red cushion. Further some small items for sewing utensils, as well as a few chain beads garnished with lacquer. On the sides, metallic swivel handles, both keys exist. 木加金加象牙加漆長方盒。中國，廣州，清代，19世紀。高16.8厘米，寬38厘米，深27.5厘米。
SIZE 16,8 x 38 x 27,5 CM (HWD)
From a German collection