Painted Black Shanxi Chest Bag These simple

These simple

with traces of the original darker finish still visible underneath the thick seats

the black lacquer now worn particularly around the feet and edges

with a wide

Painted Black Shanxi Chest Bag These simpleShanxi, circa 1900 This pretty, painted trunk is of a type used by opera troupes in China to store their props and costumes. The trunks would be brightly painted with various designs often showing scenes from operas but also with flowers. In this case the central section is painted with water lilies or lotus flowers, set within a frame of square scrolling patterns that were common as a motif on Qing period and later furniture. More flowers and vases