Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Elm The lid's front beading has

The lid's front beading has been replaced with ebonised oak within the past 100 years

Though the structure itself is modern-made for stability

Materials: Hand-carved granite

The scene is framed by gilt painted animals

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Material - Elm The lid's front beading hasThis old painted Chinese trunk is known as an Opera Chest. It would be more accurate to call it a dowry chest due to the lack of any operatic scene on this chest. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Chests of this style are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of