Chinese Trunk in Green-Lacquered Elm, 1900

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This antique Chinese trunk in green-lacquered elm is a dowry chest with a sliding lid and a floral front on … Read more This antique Chinese trunk in green-lacquered elm is a dowry chest with a sliding lid and a floral front on a green ground. It originates from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, where elm was lacquered in two colours: green on the visible face and red on the rest of the case.The contrast between a cool-coloured front and red sides was deliberate. In the northern house the chest stood against the wall of the kang and was seen only from the front; the red of the sides was the ordinary protective lacquer, cheaper and more resistant.The case is solid elm with exposed dovetails at the corners. The lid, in two boards, slides over the upper edge and is left unlacquered on top. The base carries reinforcing battens.Over the deep blue-green, eight sprays are set out in coral orange: peonies (mudan 牡丹), chrysanthemums (ju 菊), lilies and morning glories, with butterflies (die 蝶) fluttering among them. The pairing of flowers and butterflies is an omen of conjugal joy, fitting on a dowry piece. A frame of incised lines runs round the perimeter and the corners carry an angular fret.The green lacquer holds its body well and has only lightened in the areas of contact. The red sides show far greater wear, with the wood exposed in broad patches. The contrast between the two faces is sharper today than when it was painted.At seat height, it works as an entrance bench, a side table or storage at the foot of the bed. The deep green makes it especially effective in interiors of neutral palette. See less