Antique Chinese Lacquer and Hardstone Enamel Playing Card Box Circa 1920

Details

Description

A black lacquer and gold enamel box topped with a pierced medallion of the He He Twins in the center … Read more A black lacquer and gold enamel box topped with a pierced medallion of the He He Twins in the center of the lid. The box would probably have been used to hold two decks of playing cards.

A thin wooden base is covered in black lacquer with gold enameling. The box sides feature key fret designs with lotus blossoms and scrolls. The lid depicts landscapes of mountains, trees, and scholars resting. A brownish hardstone medallion with a pierced design of He He Twins above a double cash symbol is surrounded by scrolling black lacquer.

The flat base is lacquered in black. The lid opens and has a double pin hinge. The interior is lacquered in shiny black with a division to hold two different playing card decks. The edges of the lid and box a thin brass partially covered with black lacquer.

The words MADE IN CHINA have been hand-written in a white paint on the base.

MEASUREMENTS
5 in (12.7 cm) long x 3 ½ in (8.9 cm) deep x 2 3/8 in (5.9 cm) tall. Weighs 14.9 oz.

CONDITION
The box looks like it probably was originally all black lacquer and then re-decorated with the gold enamel afterwards. The gold is crudely put on. The black lacquer decorations on the back of the box have slumped down the side and some of the designs missing. Portions of the lacquer that coats the brass top edge of the base and the bottom edge of the lid have worn. The black lacquer on the lid faded somewhat. Overall the box looks and feels old with a rich look.

An antique box with much hand work that shows richness and substance. I love the pierced stone on the top with the He He twins. See less