Chinese Cantonese Hand Painted Export Lacquer Box
Southern China, Canton (Guangzhou)
Qing dynasty
Daoguang period, c. 1835–1850
Hand-painted polychrome lacquer over wood. Multiple layers of lacquer.
Subject: figures/children at play in a garden/pavilion setting. Surrounded by floral / geometric pattern.
Unusual orange/red lacquer ground.
Hand fabricated iron hardware - perfectly working metal clasp and 2 hinges.
Red painted / lacquered interior
Red lacquer bottom
Purpose: general presentation / personal-effects / jewelry / document box
SIZE:12½ inches × 7 inches × 2½ inches
CONDITION / DETAILS:
- See photos
- Colors are brighter in real life than photos. Hand painted details on characters is AMAZING!
- The color of the lid where the scene has been painted is a rare hue.
- Very good overall condition
- Little wear to top
- Wear primarily around sides (light)
- No attempt has been made to clean or "touch up" box.
- Opens and closes smoothly, as new.
- Clasp works perfectly as do hinges.
This is a very rare piece. No doubt original and not a reproduction. Dates to the early period of export shown (circa 1835). Very valuable. I want it sold so I am listing it with no reserve and low starting price. I will let the experts determine the value but I can guarantee that someone will get a great bargain on the box as some of the estimates I have found on the box are substantial. Realizing those values would take time and I am looking to sell!