Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Wall Art Features: One-off piece

Features: One-off piece

The subtle cresting detail above the door adds a gentle decorative touch while maintaining the cabinet’s clean

narrow form with simple stretcher supports

If an unfinished work breaks during carving

Finish: Bleached surface with visible adze marks and natural patina

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Wall Art Features: One-off pieceThis old painted Chinese trunk is known as an Opera Chest. It would be more accurate to call it a dowry chest due to the lack of any operatic scene on this chest. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Chests of this style are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of