Rare Antique Small Trunk with Excellent Old Metal Fitting and Original Red Brown Lacquer Finish. This style of box usually comes in desktop size as part of the scholarly objects to use and is often called "Zhuang-Yuan-Xiang,狀元箱", symbolizing that the box once was used by a successful scholar who served as a top-ranked civil court official, hence, the name for the style of the box came. In Chinese language, Xiang often refers to the box as well. This one serves more like a small trunk for its unusual larger size probably to carry more books. The unusual large size old brass plates at front also showcased the luxurious intent and presentation of the original maker for making such an impressive box/ trunk. Estimated to be around 150 years old or so. Skillful repair or replacement on some parts of the brass fitting on the box.