Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Box Porcelain Plaque Metal Inlay C1920

Details

Description

Antique early 20th-century Chinese red lacquer jewelry or trinket box featuring an unusual combination of lacquerwork, metal-line decoration, and a … Read more Antique early 20th-century Chinese red lacquer jewelry or trinket box featuring an unusual combination of lacquerwork, metal-line decoration, and a fitted hand-painted porcelain plaque.

The rectangular box has a gently domed lid centered by a substantial convex glazed porcelain panel hand decorated in a traditional Chinese floral and garden design in green, iron red/orange, brown and pale blue-green tones.

Surrounding the porcelain panel and continuing around the red lacquer exterior are stylized lotus flowers, scrolling foliage and ornamental motifs. The designs are defined by fine raised metallic lines that can be felt above the surrounding surface. The metal decoration is non-magnetic and appears consistent with brass, copper alloy, or similar non-ferrous metal wire/strip detailing.

The fitted porcelain panel is particularly substantial: the removable lid alone weighs approximately 1 lb 2 oz. The complete box weighs approximately 1 lb 15 oz.

The interior is finished in black lacquer and bears a faint incised marking that appears possibly to read “IH,” “I H,” or “1H.” The significance of this marking has not been identified, and no maker attribution is being made.

Condition: Good antique condition with considerable authentic age-related character. There is surface rubbing, scratching, finish and lacquer wear, darkening and losses to portions of the exterior decoration, along with wear around the porcelain inset and edges. The porcelain surface shows scratches and wear consistent with age. Interior has scratches and finish wear. Please review photographs closely as they form an important part of the condition description. No maker identification has been confirmed.

Measures approximately 8" long × 4 7/8" wide × 4" high. Weight approximately 1 lb 15 oz.

A distinctive early Chinese decorative box combining multiple materials and techniques, well suited for an Asian antiques collection, jewelry or keepsake storage, or display as a decorative object. 7590 See less