Chinese Antique Wood and Bamboo Document Box

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It is common knowledge that fashions of the West never reached China until the late 19th century. Chinese clothing for … Read more It is common knowledge that fashions of the West never reached China until the late 19th century. Chinese clothing for men and women were always foldable, to be put away in boxes. This is such a receptacle, constructed in wood and tight bamboo weaving on the sides to allow air flow. The wood is painted in black lacquer and decorated with interesting metal hardware that was a skill honed by metalsmiths of Shanxi and unmatched in the country. The red lacquer foot supporting the box and decorated with raised design motifs highlighted in gold.

Boxes like this, and larger ones in two or three stacks appeared in the antique furniture markets when I was sourcing in China. I was told they came from mansions in Shanxi Province in North Central China. The reason why there were more mansions in Shanxi Province is due to their long history and the business savvy of their merchants who created something akin to "letter of credit." Merchants who did trading in the south need not carry large amounts of gold and silver in fear of being attack by bandits in their journeys. They prospered in their trading and were able to build grand mansions for their families. The historical town of Pingyao, an UNESCO protected site, have well preserved buildings, both commercial and residential, is an example of the wealth of the Shanxi privileged class. See less