Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Wine Tables The Dogon tribe inhabit the

The Dogon tribe inhabit the Mali region on the west African central plain

sturdy handcrafted construction

Kadais are constructed by riveting or hammer welding plates of iron together

132 x 50 x 85 (wxdxh cms)

The lower section retains decorative carved details

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Wine Tables The Dogon tribe inhabit theThis old painted Chinese trunk is often referred to as an Opera Chest. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) 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