Antique Chinese Begonia-Shaped Black Lacquer Trinket Box With Hardstone Inlay, Circa 1920s

Details

Description

Antique Chinese Begonia-Shaped Black Lacquer Trinket Box with Hardstone Inlay, Circa 1920s


An authentic early 20th-century Chinese Republic Period lacquer … Read more Antique Chinese Begonia-Shaped Black Lacquer Trinket Box with Hardstone Inlay, Circa 1920s


An authentic early 20th-century Chinese Republic Period lacquer trinket box featuring a classic four-lobed begonia shape (haitangshi). The lid showcases an intricate, raised Baibao (Hundred Treasures) style inlay depicting a playful child or laborer amidst fruiting peach trees—a traditional East Asian symbol of longevity.
The figure's garment is expertly rendered in hand-tinted green bone, while the stylized white peaches and landscape elements are crafted from hand-carved soapstone and mother-of-pearl fragments set against a matte lacquer ground. The branches are built up in a striking coral-red relief composite reminiscent of cinnabar lacquer. Hand-carved from a solid wood core and finished in a deep, glossy brownish-black natural lacquer, this charming piece serves as a beautiful accent container for a vanity, dresser, or curation shelf.

Details

• Creator: Antique Chinese (Artisan Workshop)
• Design/Style: Republic Period / Export Decorative Arts
• Place of Origin: China
• Period: Early 20th Century (Circa 1900–1930)
• Materials: Lacquered Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Soapstone, Tinted Bone, Cinnabar-style Composite
• Condition: Good / Fair Vintage Condition. This piece displays an authentic, aged patina. There are visible chips along the inner rim of the lower flange and the outer base edge that clearly expose the historical wooden core underneath. The inlay decoration on the lid shows wear and small missing fragments typical for its age. Structure is entirely stable and solid. (Please review all high-resolution photos for exact condition details).

Dimensions

• Width: 6 in.
• Depth: 4.5 in.
• Height: 2 in. See less