Spectacular condition for age and type, the interior as well as the exterior has been incredibly well cared for, making this extra large c.1840-60 Chinese Export sewing and writer's box a rare treat, indeed. The richest gold and red hand painted surface, truly, on this one and in raised red enamel highlighted and framed in with gold, each side has Chinese scenes with figures. No losses, cracks, breaks on that elegant form chest, either. Open the lid, nicely hinged, and reveals a nearly complete interior fitted tray with a broad variety of the old original implements, spools, ribbon or lace winder, clamp, ribbon threading needle and other needles and hooks, 2 complete and carved needle cases, and a tatting shuttle and measuring tape (the tape is no longer inside). Compartments with covers still perfectly in place, and that all is the lift-out tray. A storage and project compartment below the tray. And then the drawer in bottom pulls out to reveal itself as a writer's slop and places for cards, notes, inkwells, and pens, pencils or brushes beneath the tilt/braced slope. Each aspect as fine as the rest. Both of the side handles are firmly in place. It is huge and seems to have been just stored for 170 or so years. 14.5" widest, 10.5" front to back and 6.5" tall. The bottom has 4 3/8" risers of wood slats, no damage or loss.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. I've never seen or owned a nicer one! Exterior is just exceptional in all ways, and apart from a little loss to the latticed bone compartment covers, almost all the spools and sewing items remain intact and usable. A superb set. Even the knobs remain on the compartment covers. I am unsure if it came originally with inkwells, but if so, those are no longer with the set. Photos really show it all. No cracks, breaks, damage to the outer box, and even the original handles remain firmly in place. As if it's been only stored for a century and a half or more. Superb set. Carved bone implements - lots of them, still inside.
