Painted Chinese Opera Chest from Shanxi - 19thC Finish - Black Lacquer butterfly joints & remnants of

butterfly joints & remnants of old ironware

A completely original piece that we rarely see

The double ruyi brass locks are unsual to find with most chests having a single brass hasp

the shawl drapes effortlessly and can be styled in a variety of ways throughout the seasons

Painted Chinese Opera Chest from Shanxi - 19thC Finish - Black Lacquer butterfly joints & remnants ofThis vintage painted Chinese trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry