Chest - Wood - China - Late Qing 1890-1920 - hongmu/rosewood chest (No reserve price)

Antique Chinese jewelry- / treasure box – hongmu/rosewood – richly engraved brass fittings – late Qing, ca. 1890–1920

Particularly richly executed Chinese wooden jewelry or treasure box from the late Qing period / early 20th century. The warm reddish-brown color of the wood forms a beautiful contrast with the extensive engraved brass fittings with which almost the entire trunk is decorated.

This type of small box was used to store jewelry, documents, personal belongings and other valuables. The combination of dark reddish-brown hardwood with rich brass fittings aligns well with Chinese boxes from the late Qing period and the early 20th century.

The present specimen stands out especially for the large amount of decorative fittings. The lid, front, sides and corners are equipped with numerous brass plates, corner pieces and bands. These feature stylized floral and nature motifs rendered with fine lines and dotted decorations.

Centrally on the front is a large, richly engraved brass latch plate with a pronounced decorative locking mechanism. The substantial corner pieces and the symmetrically placed ornamental plates give the box a particularly luxurious appearance.

The wood has a deep reddish-brown hue and fine grain. Based on appearance and comparison with similar Chinese boxes, the material can be cautiously described as probably hongmu/rosewood. Without wood analysis, the exact botanical species cannot be determined with full certainty.

The interior is dark finished and has one large storage space. On the right side there is a metal lid support that supports the opened lid.

Features

* Origin: China
* Period: late Qing / early 20th century
* Dating: presumably circa 1890–1920
* Type: jewelry box / treasure box / storage chest
* Material: wood and brass
* Wood species: probably hongmu/rosewood
* Deep red-brown wood color
* Very extensive engraved brass fittings
* Floral and stylized nature motifs
* Large brass corner protectors
* Decorative bands and plates
* Large central latch plate
* Unusually shaped latch fitting
* Hinged lid
* Metal lid support
* Dark finished interior
* Not marked as far as is visible

Condition
Authentic antique state with clear signs of age and use. The wood shows scratches, small damages, discoloration and localized wear. The brass possesses a natural aged patina with oxidation, discoloration, scratches, small dents and signs of use.

The locking hardware, decorative brass plates and lid support are present. The rich old patina and signs of use underscore the antique character of the piece.

A particularly decorative and collectible piece of Chinese applied arts. Due to the combination of reddish-brown wood, the very extensive engraved brass fittings and the clear history of use, this box has a strong and authentic presence. Beautiful as a jewelry box, collectible object, or as a characterful decorative piece within a classic, Asian or eclectic interior.

Dimensions
Length 16.5 cm
Width 12.5 cm
Height 8 cm

Photos provide a clear view of the quality and are part of the description. The interior photos have been AI-generated and are intended solely to illustrate the object in a living environment.

The whole is well packaged and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also include packing materials and transport. Only ships within the EU postal area. Pickup is possible only when the lot is auctioned for more than €50 and by appointment during office hours.

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