19th Century Chinese Canton Export Black & Gilt Lacquer Figural Trinket Box C.1850

A small mid-19th-century Chinese export lacquer box, produced in Canton (Guangzhou) for the Western market.

The rectangular wooden box has softly rounded corners and is finished throughout in black lacquer. The hinged lid retains remnants of its original gilt and polychrome decoration, now heavily worn, but still showing traces of a traditional Chinese figural or landscape composition characteristic of Canton export lacquerware.

The interior is simply finished in black lacquer without fitted compartments, suggesting use as a small personal, trinket or keepsake box.

The construction, long rear hinge, layered lacquer surface and surviving decoration are consistent with Chinese export manufacture of the mid-19th century.

The box has substantial age-related wear, including widespread craquelure, lifting and losses to the lacquer, extensive rubbing to the original gilt decoration, scratches, abrasions, edge wear and areas where the wooden substrate is exposed. The lid shows some distortion but remains attached and operational.

The underside bears a large hand-incised letter “W”, probably an old ownership or inventory mark rather than a maker’s mark.

Despite the considerable surface wear, the box retains good decorative character and is an evocative survivor of 19th-century Canton export lacquerware.

Origin: Canton / Guangzhou, China

Date: circa 1830–1860

Listing year: 1850

Material: lacquered wood with remnants of gilt and polychrome decoration

Dimensions: approx. 9 × 5.5 × 2 cm

Weight: 60 g

Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

The seller does not provide CITES documentation, export permits, or cultural property certificates unless explicitly stated. Please verify import requirements with your local customs authority prior to purchase.

All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.