Canton Export Lacquer 'Pope Joan' Games Box - Early 19th Century

This antique gilt black lacquer Chinese Export games box dates to the early 19^th century. It was made in Canton for export to wealthy members of the British Georgian & American upper class. The decoration on this games box has decoration popular between 1810 - 1825. 

This superb games box is initialled MLC with Chinese pastoral scenes depicted on the lid around the central cartouche. The interior compartments are similarly initialled. Lifting the lid reveals various boxes containing wooden counters and an elongated box for storing cards. The extravagant coloured lacquer trays are for playing the 'Pope Joan' card game. Pope Joan was a popular 19th century British game first recorded in 1732.

These pieces are fragile pieces of history and are usually found damaged. Small restorations have been made to halt the aging process.

A similarly decorated sewing box (plate 153 & 154) and further information can be found in The Decorative Arts of The China Trade by Crossman.