Original price
GBP £ 845
Converted price
Description
DeepL TranslateQinghai, circa 1930
This lovely pine storage chest is from Qinghai province in northwest China, in its original black lacquer and still with the old paintings of flowers and vases. It is of a type sometimes referred to as an opera trunk as the fronts of these chests were often decorated with scenes from Chinese opera as well as flowers. In this case the design showcases delicate water lilies along with peonies and other flora. At each side of the main painting is a single vase, while pomegranates are shown above, set at either side of the simple metal clasp.
The flowers are each carefully chosen for their symbolism in Chinese culture, with lotus flowers representing purity and nobility, while pomegranites are a symbol for fertility. Note also the pair of 'foo dogs' at each corner of the base - traditional guardians to ward off evil spirits. With a lovely palette of soft greens, pinks and creams that have mellowed over the years, the trunk would work beautifully as a bedside or sofa-side table whilst offering substantial storage space for bedding, clothes or toys.
Last updated: 19/11/25
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