Fabulous hand painted Chinese Grand Tour Souvenir, papier mache with the hand painted gold decoration mostly intact. Wonderful fluted form adds interest. Working lock and original key and loads of original sewing spools, silk spools, thimble and fittings inside. Two covered compartments, as well, in the lift-out tray. Silk pin cushions, too. These items appear to be made of bone, which is consistent with period hand fans, such as the one visible in the final photo, known as Cantonese. Measurements are noted on the photos, which also show the box from all angles.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, I can see some light damage to the lacquered box (view images) not much but a small disruption here or there consistent with age. No major chips or breaks, no cracks, no restorations visible. The figures in gold enamel are fabulous - some worn on the top from century of dusting, no doubt. Sides are superb. The fluted form is my favorite of these old beauties. Some interior fittings are incomplete. All shown are original to it and stay with it, of course. The small image of bottom (inset) does reveal it might have had small round bone bun feet originally, which are no longer with the chest. Large, impressive. Found in France.
