Late 19th-Century Chinese Polychrome Painted Bride Box With Iron Hardware, C. 1880–1900

Details

Description

Exceptional late 19th-century Chinese polychrome painted bride box, accompanied by surviving documentation of its purchase in Shanghai, China, in 1998.

… Read more Exceptional late 19th-century Chinese polychrome painted bride box, accompanied by surviving documentation of its purchase in Shanghai, China, in 1998.

This substantial circular wooden box measures approximately 14.5 inches in diameter and 10 inches high and features a richly aged hand-painted surface with figural, floral and decorative motifs rendered in red, black, gold and muted earth tones.

The domed lid is particularly striking, centered by a traditional figural scene surrounded by painted floral decoration and geometric borders. The rounded body continues the polychrome decoration with stylized flowers and auspicious motifs, all retaining a wonderfully mellowed surface and patina developed over many decades.

The box is constructed from fitted wooden sections and retains its substantial old iron hardware, including the front locking plate and large carrying rings mounted at either side. The interior reveals the traditional construction particularly well, while the bottom incorporates an unusual three-panel hinged arrangement that appears to be an intentional element of the original construction.

Perhaps most importantly, the provenance of this piece survives.

The box was purchased from HU & HU Antiques in Shanghai on January 25, 1998. Its original sales receipt accompanies the piece and identifies it specifically as “Polychrome ‘Bride Box,’” stock number B5125, with a purchase price of 1,100 RMB.

The box additionally retains a Chinese customs/export inspection seal associated with its export from China. The seal is presented as part of the object’s documented 1998 export history and is not being used to date the box itself.

Based upon its traditional construction, aged painted surface, hardware and overall characteristics, the box is believed to date to the late 19th century, circa 1880–1900.

Condition

Very good antique condition with a remarkably solid and substantial structure. The box exhibits expected evidence of considerable age, including natural wood shrinkage and age cracks, surface wear, areas of paint and finish loss, oxidation and patina to the iron hardware, and other minor irregularities associated with traditional handmade construction.

Despite the visible age cracks, the box remains structurally solid. No obvious modern repairs or restoration have been observed. The original aged surface has intentionally been preserved rather than refinished or cosmetically restored.

Please examine all photographs closely, including detailed images of the exterior, interior, underside, hardware, customs/export seal and accompanying 1998 Shanghai purchase receipt.

Dimensions: 14.5” diameter × 10” H
Materials: Painted wood, iron hardware
Country of Origin: China
Period: Late 19th Century
Estimated Date: Circa 1880–1900
Style: Chinese / Asian / Folk Art
Condition: Very Good Antique Condition
Sold As: One
Provenance: HU & HU Antiques, Shanghai, China; purchased January 25, 1998; original receipt accompanies the piece See less