Large Chinese wedding box, polychrome wood, early 20th century.

This object is typically a presentation bucket or traditional Chinese wedding box (often referred to as a dowry box or makeup box) made of polychrome wood, with a varnished/waxed finish in red, orange, and black tones, featuring hand-painted floral patterns (notably peony-type flowers). It has metal embellishments with a traditional clasp system. Given the wood construction, the patina of the polychromy, and the engraved brass hardware, this object most likely dates from the late Qing dynasty (19th century) or the early Republican period (early 20th century).