This antique narrow shape larger size wooden storage box has incredibly detailed carved gilt lacquer work. The lid has a large front-facing five-claw dragon inside a pointed begonia flower shape enclosure with many twined peony flowers surrounding the center dragon. The front side of the box has the same carved style gilt work with a pair of large phoenix bird and dragon, also circled by many large twined peony flowers. Each of the two sides of the box has carved gilt design with eight bats with many auspicious clouds. The circular locking brass plates at front, though appeared to be old, along with the brass handles on the sides of the box, might have been replaced at one point. The back hinges were also replaced. This special and very rare large box with substantial discolor on the top nevertheless has very impressive "cut-lacquer" style lacquer work with layers of lacquer built on each other before being carved with its intricate design, and finally lacquered with gilt color over the whole carved design. This technique was favored during the Ming period with many imperial wares and quality works having been produced with this technique during the period and afterwards.

Dimensions: 20 1/8" L x 9 5/8" D x 10 1/4" H

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