the 19th century

An exceptional Chinese wooden cap box from the nineteenth century, executed with refined and richly detailed mother-of-pearl inlay. The box is compact in size (33 × 33 × 22 cm), but opens to reveal an ingenious and functional cap and storage system.

The lid is adorned with a striking central mirror. At the front, behind two hinged doors, lie four pull-out drawers intended for storing jewelry, hairpins, and other small valuables.

The decorative mother-of-pearl inlay is particularly beautiful and consists of stylized, gracefully winding floral scrolls and various blossoms. The combination of warm wood, gleaming mother-of-pearl, and practical design makes this box an attractive and characterful object for collectors of Chinese art and antique objects.