Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19thC Hat 42 x 28 x 50

42 x 28 x 50 (wxdxh cms)

Ginger jars are steeped in centuries of Chinese culture and history originating in the Qin dynasty (221 - 207 BC) when ginger and other luxury Chinese goods became a major export to the Western world

From 1926 through his association with Watanabe Shōzaburō and other publishers

References: Chris Buckley

or other small valuables

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19thC Hat 42 x 28 x 50This painted Chinese paulownia trunk is known as an opera chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Chests of this style 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 crafted into furniture and given as part of a bride's dowry symbolising hope