Basket - poplar or pine wood (bentwood/buighout) - Hat box / storage box

An authentic and characterful Chinese cylindrical storage box, historically used for dust-free storage of precious ceremonial hats, garments, or dried foods such as rice. The box is craft-built from a curved wooden panel whose overlapping edges are firmly fastened. The interior and bottom show the rough, unfinished wood structure with authentic wooden reinforcing battens and traditional black ink stampings/markings on the underside. The exterior is finished with the characteristic deep red and black Chinese lacquer coats. On the front there is a hand-painted image in black and gold pigment, depicting a stylized vase or basket with blooming lotuses and Buddhist symbols (Shengshu), symbolizing prosperity and harmony. The top and bottom are decorated with neat black trim lines. This type of box is today highly sought after as a atmospheric, rustic Asian interior object. Condition: In original antique condition with a beautiful, well-worn patina that confirms its great age. The lacquer layer shows the craquelé, hairline cracks, and age-related wear typical of antique lacquer. At the rear there is an old loss spot in the lacquer where the underlying wood is visible, and the central wooden support batten on the bottom shows an old fracture. The box is nevertheless structurally stable and the lid closes well. No modern restorations. Dimensions; Height: 30 cm Diameter: 32 cm Weight: 1.2 kg. The lot is packaged with great care and sent by registered mail and insured with track & trace. Pickup is also possible on request.

Estimate:$1.12

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