Antique Small Leather Stationery Box with Painted and Appliqued Leather Motives. It has the original old brass locking plates and hinges. Some breakage and losses on the leather and lacquer surface, as is.

This old leather box is stretched over the wood and stitched at the corners and rims with folds. The cut and appliqued leather motives on the top of the box include a beautifully stylized Shou longevity character in the middle with two Double-Happiness characters on the two sides of the Shou.The three characters are enclosed with lotus and bat motives in a rectangular border with the leaf of the lotus and the wings of the bats extending to the key shaped ties-very unique, delicate, and auspicious. Motives were painted in now faded gilt color on its original black lacquered leather surface, making it very attractive.

The front opening side of the box has dragon motive and some ribboned temple objects.

Such narrow box is in the same shape as some stationary or scholar's box made of wood. It is likely used to store personal letter or paper work. Late 19t-early 20th century.

Dimensions: 13" L x 7" W x 3 1/2" H

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