Painted Black Lacquer Blanket Box w145 with a fixed panel at

with a fixed panel at either side

but more wealthy merchants would use boxes covered in leather and decorated with fine designs

The overall design of the chest

This lovely warm colour

Painted Black Lacquer Blanket Box w145 with a fixed panel atShanxi, circa 1920 This charming little blanket chest is in its original black lacquer finish with the old paintings of peony flowers now faded and muted to soft colours against the dark background. The peony is a symbol for high rank and status in China, and is often seen on the paintings that decorated Chinese furniture to symbolise the importance of the owner. The trunk is from Shanxi province and made from pine with a new simple brass clasp on the