Lovely Chinese Painted Boy Bamboo Rice Carrier Wedding Food Basket Qing C.1890

A wonderfully decorative antique Chinese painted wooden and bamboo food carrier, believed to date from the late Qing to early Republic period, circa 1890.

Traditionally constructed with three stacking sections, including the fitted lid, the carrier features a tall arched bamboo carrying frame with a bound hand grip, reinforced rims and attractive original-style painted decoration.

The exterior retains a rich reddish-brown finish with extensive hand-painted designs in black and golden-yellow tones. Particularly charming is the circular lid, decorated with a standing young boy in traditional Chinese clothing, surrounded by a landscape with trees and foliage.

The sides feature beautifully illustrated songbirds perched amongst flowering branches, goldfish swimming amongst aquatic plants, stylised flowers and further traditional Chinese motifs.

Both sides of the carrying frame display vertical Chinese calligraphic inscriptions, adding further decorative and cultural interest to this appealing example.

Such carriers were traditionally used in China for transporting food, rice, gifts and other provisions. Decorated examples of this type are also commonly described as wedding baskets, reflecting their association with traditional celebrations and ceremonial gift-giving.

The removable sections reveal the original wooden interiors, with visible grain, traditional joined construction and natural irregularities associated with handmade objects.

A particularly attractive piece of Chinese domestic folk art, combining traditional craftsmanship with charming figural, bird, fish and floral decoration.

Origin: China

Date: Circa 1890, late Qing to early Republic period

Materials: Wood and bamboo with painted decoration

Overall height including handle: 42cm

Maximum width: Approximately 28cm

Weight: Approximately 1.7kg

Condition:

Good antique decorative condition with considerable age-related character and patina. There is rubbing and loss to areas of the painted decoration, scratches, small chips, staining, natural shrinkage cracks and general surface wear. The rims and joints display wear consistent with traditional use, while the wooden interiors show age-related marking and discolouration.

The carrying frame and bound handle remain present, and the stacking sections are retained. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

A highly decorative traditional Chinese food carrier with excellent display appeal and particularly attractive surviving figural, bird, fish and floral decoration.

Comparable antique Chinese food carriers can be advertised by specialist dealers at £300–£400. Priced competitively for sale.

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.