Late 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquered Two-Tier Woven Wedding Basket

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An exceptional late Qing Dynasty to early Republic period Chinese two-tier wedding or dowry food basket, circa 1890. This highly … Read more An exceptional late Qing Dynasty to early Republic period Chinese two-tier wedding or dowry food basket, circa 1890. This highly authentic, square-form piece is beautifully constructed with tightly woven split-bamboo and rattan side panels inset into a robust, hand-carved wooden framework finished in a deep cinnabar-red lacquer.The vertical support handle is structurally sound and intricately detailed with openwork reticulated filigree, geometric cloud scrolls, and floral relief carvings. Adorned with original brass floral-etched washers and hand-forged accents, the basket remarkably retains its original iron locking pin—a piece frequently lost to time—which secures the two stackable storage compartments, internal presentation tray, and lid seamlessly in place.The underside reveals historic, hand-shaved structural support slats fastened with early hand-hammered iron pins, exhibiting wonderful natural wood shrinkage and grain lines. Possessing an honest, weathered patina with beautiful thinning of the lacquer at the edges, this multi-tier box offers gorgeous texture and character. It makes for an elegant decorative centerpiece, a sophisticated jewelry box, or a distinctive accent piece for Chinoiserie and traditional interiors alike. See less