Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19thC
This vintage painted Chinese elm trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Whilst most chests of this style are decorated with operatic scenes, this one is instead decorated with floral and bird scenes, framed by windowed scenes of elders in traditional Chinese clothing.
Chests of this style are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu / 桐木) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry symbolising hope for a prosperous & enduring marriage.
Like all our pieces, it has been sympathetically restored showing signs of wear and the marks of age.
89 x 58 x 63 (wxdxh cms)
UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £40
More delivery options available on checkout
Original: $1,274.95
-65%$1,274.95
$446.23More Images
Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19thC
This vintage painted Chinese elm trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Whilst most chests of this style are decorated with operatic scenes, this one is instead decorated with floral and bird scenes, framed by windowed scenes of elders in traditional Chinese clothing.
Chests of this style are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu / 桐木) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry symbolising hope for a prosperous & enduring marriage.
Like all our pieces, it has been sympathetically restored showing signs of wear and the marks of age.
89 x 58 x 63 (wxdxh cms)
UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £40
More delivery options available on checkout
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Description
This vintage painted Chinese elm trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Whilst most chests of this style are decorated with operatic scenes, this one is instead decorated with floral and bird scenes, framed by windowed scenes of elders in traditional Chinese clothing.
Chests of this style are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu / 桐木) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry symbolising hope for a prosperous & enduring marriage.
Like all our pieces, it has been sympathetically restored showing signs of wear and the marks of age.
89 x 58 x 63 (wxdxh cms)
UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £40
More delivery options available on checkout
