Stunning Pair Of Gilded And Hand Painted Chinese Wedding Dowry Chests

Item details

Height

103.0 cm

Width

90.0 cm

Depth

67.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Average

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

This is an exceptional pair of traditional Chinese wedding chests. We bought them in Singapore in 1987, after falling in love with them at an antique furniture show. We don’t know the age, but think they are mid-20th Century.

Chests like these would have been presented to the bride on her wedding day and used to transfer her dowry to her new home— with two people carrying the chests on a long pole inserted through the sturdy iron handles attached to the triangular outer frame of each chest. The four removable boxes stacked inside the frame and topped with a lid provide lots of storage—perfect for keeping treasures safe in plain sight.

Each of these glorious chest features is covered in a gilded Chinese geometric pattern, and exquisitely hand painted with auspicious symbols to bring luck to the newly-weds.

After nearly 40 years of our family life, they do bear signs of use, with some wear to the boxes…some chips at the corners, and ring-marks/faded gilding on the lids (please see photos). Such marks in no way diminish the charm and character of these eclectic pieces that would make a magnificent talking point in any home as well as provide lots of storage space.

FRAME
Height: 103cm (+ 10cm for the iron handle)
Width: 90cm (widest point)
Depth: 67cm (widest point)

BOX (4 for each chest)
Height: 17.5cm
Width: 77.5cm
Depth: 46cm

Do make us an offer. We will consider selling separately

Material
Other Wood
Item location
Hawkhurst , United Kingdom
Period
Late 20th Century
Condition
Used

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Located in Hawkhurst, United Kingdom
  • Ships from Hawkhurst, United Kingdom

Cancellations and Returns

Last updated: 24th March 2025

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