Black Lacquer Vanity Box

This elegant table chest was once used in the intimate quarters of a Qing-dynasty woman to store her cosmetics, jewelry, and other personal treasures. The wooden box is cloaked in layers of black lacquer, now richly aged and marked by traces of the original gold painted decoration. The hinged doors open to reveal an upper tray and five shallow drawers, each lined with red lacquer and painted with floral scrollwork. Ornate brass hardware adds the finishing touch, shaped with cloud and coin motifs.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.