Black Lacquer Canton Export Sewing Box - Ca 1810

This gilt black lacquer chinoiserie sewing box is in excellent condition. Made circa 1810 in Canton. Decorated in delicate gilt and black lacquer, is made in the typical form with brass swan neck handles. The gilded design on this sewing box has noticeable western motifs including two coat of arms on the top flanked by dragons. The lacquerwork is on a less common base of red lacquer. The brass handles are classic English Regency style. The presence of Western motifs point to earlier Canton productions as Cantonware developed its own style through the course of the first half of the 19th century reaching its apex around 1850. 

This style of chinoiserie was made in Canton for export to wealthy members of the British Georgian & American upper class in the Qing dynasty. This intricate and detailed work was made for export to Britain when Chinoiserie was all the rage in the early 19th century.

These pieces are fragile pieces of history and are usually found damaged, especially the tops, however, the condition of this piece is outstanding. This sewing box has been checked over in our workshop and small restorations made to stop the aging process.

Export jewelry cabinets, games boxes & tea caddies were also made. A sewing table with an identical border design dated circa 1835 can be found at the Peabody Essex Museum of Salem and Colour Plate 100 of the below book. 

Similar examples and further information can be found in The Decorative Arts of The China Trade by Crossman.

Dimensions:

37 x 27 x 15.5  (wxdxh cms)

From China

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