A large and decorative Chinese export black lacquer box, exquisitely gilt-decorated with whimsical oriental motifs.
Canton, Qing dynasty, mid-19th century.

Why we like it

A charming object to decorate a coffee table or a console, also useful to store small bits, jewellery, etc. with gusto.

Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. Available to order through best luxury goods retailers of the era, such exquisite items as lacquerware, botanical gouaches or reverse-painted glass, were manufactured in Canton to be shipped to Britain.