Chinese Qing Dynasty Lobate Tea Caddy Chest

Item Details

A mid 19th-century Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) gilt black lacquer lobate tea caddy chest. A bulbous, hexagonal form tea chest with paktong (white brass) caddy insert. The lacquered chest features hinged lid and a hand painted gilt design with figural scene present to all sides and all sections of the top. The chest sits on three winged claw feet. Etched paktong insert is decorated with a rooster motif cap and bone handled interior lid. Original key is present with the chest.

This piece was loaned for the special exhibition East Meets West: Chinese Export Art and Design at the Taft Museum in Cincinnati, OH, June 19-October 11, 1998.

Condition

- gilt loss present throughout the box; slight chip to the wood near the front brass lock; paktong insert has some minor dents and scratches; bottom has two areas of cracking near the left side and back left side leg; craquelure present in some small areas of the chest.

Dimensions

Item #

17DCC089-004