A Chinese-Export Polychrome Painted Small Trunk

Canton, Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) Late 18th, early 19th century. The carcass constructed from camphor-wood with an exterior decorated in the manner of Chinese export wallpaper. Retaining the original worn gilt-brass carrying handles. The interior with both hand-painted decoration and Chinese block-printed lining paper in the European taste.

A rare survivor. This box, made at the end of the 18th century, retains all of its original painted decoration. Both the unified panel-by-panel scenes on the exterior and the wonderful freehand bird of paradise amongst roses on the inside of the lid.

The corners of the box are reinforced with a black lacquered cloth; possibly brocaded silk in a trelliswork pattern. This is a technique seen on export trucks of the period and also serves to 'frame' each side panel.

These scenes show predominantly female figures (Meiren) in a formal courtyard garden. Each lady with an elaborate jewelled 'liangbatou' hairstyle wearing flowing robes either standing or seated at a scholarly set table.