Antique Chinese painted elm wood chest – China, circa 1900

This ancient Chinese painted elm chest is a dowry chest with a two-piece sliding lid and a painted front. It originates from northern China, from the Qing dynasty, where the elm was joined with dovetails and then covered with ochre lacquer to receive the paint. Chests of this size were part of the marriage dowry. They were delivered full of clothes and textiles, and then remained in the house as storage furniture. The sliding lid, split into two boards sliding in a groove, allowed one half to be opened while working on the other. The case is made of solid elm, with dovetail joints visible at the corners. The front and side boards are made from a single piece. The lid slides on battens cut from the upper edge. The bottom is reinforced with crosspieces. The front features a central diamond with a lotus bouquet (lian 蓮), an emblem of purity, surrounded by butterflies (die 蝶) which, through homophony, evoke longevity. In the four corners, bouquets of orchid (lan 蘭), chrysanthemum (ju 菊), and peony (mudan 牡丹), the queen flower associated with prosperity. A border of green scrolls frames the whole, and the corners resolve into angular Greek patterns. The palette is ochre gold, green, and off-white. The ochre lacquer has darkened and gained a warm sheen. The green of the border has turned to a dull tone that contrasts with the background. The sides and back retain their red lacquer without decoration, with noticeable wear on the edges. Details Dimensions: Length 79 cm – Depth 58 cm – Height 56 cm Style: Painted Chinese Materials and techniques: Elm wood; dovetail joinery; ochre lacquer and hand-painted decoration. Place of origin: China Period: Qing dynasty Date of manufacture: Circa 1900 Condition / Observations: Good. Original lacquer and paint darkened over time, noticeable wear on the edges. Wear consistent with age and use.