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ID #SA1236887
FOR SALE
£1,150
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Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920
For sale by Canonbury Antiques
for sale €1,346     $1,461
£1,150
Canonbury Antiques

Canonbury Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2021
Browse dealers 315 items
  • About Us
    London UK antiques & decorative arts - ships globally
Id #SA1236887
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Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920

1900 - 1920
Description

A highly decorative and unusually large Chinese Export black lacquer coffer, dating to the early 20th century and beautifully decorated with traditional gilt landscape scenes and finely carved applied hardstone figures

The front and lid are embellished with colourful carved court attendants set within idyllic garden landscapes of pavilions, bridges and stylised trees, creating a striking three-dimensional effect against the deep black lacquer ground

Raised on a shaped plinth base and fitted with an engraved brass lock plate, the hinged lid opens to reveal a spacious interior, making it ideal for storing blankets, textiles, documents or other treasured possessions

The combination of intricate gilt decoration and carved hardstone appliqués reflects the skilled craftsmanship associated with Chinese Export wares produced for the Western market during the early 20th century

Both practical and highly decorative, this impressive lacquer coffer makes an eye-catching statement piece for a hallway, bedroom or living room

Its generous proportions, elegant Oriental decoration and versatile storage make it a superb addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors, while its substantial 40-inch width gives it an imposing presence seldom found in examples of this type

Offered in great shape

Will ship to anywhere in the world - including the US - please get in touch for a shipping quote Dimensions in inches (CM)

Width x Depth x Height

40 (101.5) x 20 (51) x 24 (61)

Physical Dimensions
Height
61cm (24.02")
Width
101.5cm (39.96")
Depth
51cm (20.08")
Declaration

Canonbury Antiques has dated this Chinese Lacquer Storage Chest to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1236887
Description
A highly decorative and unusually large Chinese Export black lacquer coffer, dating to the early 20th century and beautifully decorated with traditional gilt landscape scenes and finely carved applied hardstone figures
fig 1. A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
fig 1. Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920

The front and lid are embellished with colourful carved court attendants set within idyllic garden landscapes of pavilions, bridges and stylised trees, creating a striking three-dimensional effect against the deep black lacquer ground

fig 2. A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
fig 2. Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920

Raised on a shaped plinth base and fitted with an engraved brass lock plate, the hinged lid opens to reveal a spacious interior, making it ideal for storing blankets, textiles, documents or other treasured possessions

fig 3. A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
fig 3. Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920

The combination of intricate gilt decoration and carved hardstone appliqués reflects the skilled craftsmanship associated with Chinese Export wares produced for the Western market during the early 20th century

“
Both practical and highly decorative, this impressive lacquer coffer makes an eye-catching statement piece for a hallway, bedroom or living room.
Canonbury Antiques
fig 4. A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
fig 4. Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920

Its generous proportions, elegant Oriental decoration and versatile storage make it a superb addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors, while its substantial 40-inch width gives it an imposing presence seldom found in examples of this type

Offered in great shape

Will ship to anywhere in the world - including the US - please get in touch for a shipping quote Dimensions in inches (CM)

Width x Depth x Height

40 (101.5) x 20 (51) x 24 (61)

Height
61cm (24.02")
Width
101.5cm (39.96")
Depth
51cm (20.08")
Date of Manufacture

Canonbury Antiques has dated this Chinese Lacquer Storage Chest to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1236887
Canonbury Antiques
Canonbury Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2021

London UK antiques & decorative arts - ships globally

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Canonbury Antiques Profile Page

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A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
1 / 13
Archive I A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.

Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920

Archive II A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View II
Archive III A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View III
Archive IV A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View IV
Archive V A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View V
Archive VI A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View VI
Archive VII A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View VII
Archive VIII A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View VIII
Archive IX A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View IX
Archive X A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View X
Archive XI A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View XI
Archive XII A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View XII
Archive XIII A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01707 644877
Location
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Apr 2021
Items For Sale 315
Items Sold 498
Canonbury Antiques
Canonbury Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Potters Bar , Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Apr 2021
For Sale
315
Sold
498
A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
Chinese Lacquer Coffer Storage Box Antique Wedding Chest 1920
Ref: SA1236887
A black lacquered rectangular wooden chest embellished with raised soapstone figures and landscape scenes, fitted with an etched brass lock plate.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectCoffers & Trunks
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleRepublic Period
  • MaterialWood, Lacquer, Soapstone, Brass
  • ColourBlack
  • MotifsInlaid relief figures, etched brass lock plate, polychrome painted details, stepped plinth base
  • SizeH 61 cm (24 in) x W 101.5 cm (40 in) x D 51 cm (20 in)

Traditional Chinese lacquer chests were historically created as part of a brides dowry to store textiles, linens, and family valuables. Originating in ancient China, these trunks feature protective lacquer coatings and are frequently adorned with hand-painted scenes or decorative relief inlays depicting figures and landscape elements.

These chests are typically constructed from a wooden core coated in multiple layers of natural sap lacquer derived from the toxicodendron vernicifluum tree. Decorative elements frequently incorporate carved hardstones, soapstone, mother-of-pearl, etched brass hardware, and painted gilt details.

Authentic pieces from this period exhibit hand-carved soapstone or bone inlays, fine surface craquelure or shrinkage lines within the lacquer, and hand-fitted brass lock plates. The interior wood structure generally features traditional joinery techniques without modern mechanical fasteners or synthetic adhesives.

A lacquer coffer functions effectively as a central coffee table in a living room or positioned at the foot of a bed for linen storage. The dark reflective surface and detailed inlay work provide visual structure and contrast when paired with contemporary neutral upholstery and soft fabrics.

Dust the surface regularly using a soft, dry microfibre cloth and avoid liquid solutions or abrasive chemical cleaners. Position the trunk away from direct sunlight, radiators, and extreme fluctuations in humidity to prevent the timber from moving or the lacquer surface from lifting.
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