Jewelry box; China, c. 1850.

Jewelry box; China, c. 1850.
Lacquered and gilded wood.
Part of the clasp on the lid is missing.
Measurements: 43 x 33 x 23 cm.
Jewelry box made of lacquered wood with gilded ornamental details. The piece is structured on a square base with a sinuous skirt where the central structure rests. This area is divided into three drawers and an upper area with a hinged lid. On the sides there are two handles for carrying the piece. The technique of Chinese lacquer, an ancient art that dates back millennia in the history of Asia. Made from the resin of the lacquer tree, this technique combines patience, skill and a deep connection with nature. Lacquer-coated objects are characterized not only by their luster and polished surfaces, but also by their durability and resistance over time, attributes that have made them coveted treasures. From ornate chests to decorative screens, these pieces encapsulate stories, traditions and symbolism. Their intricate creation process, which includes meticulous layering and gilded or hand-painted details, elevates their value, transforming them into masterpieces that transcend the functional to become cultural relics of incalculable importance.