Red Lacquer Chest
This red lacquer clothing box is made from elm wood covered over with leather. Dating to the Middle Qing Dynasty (about 1750 AD), the box was probably used to store seasonal clothing. The Shanxi region of China is one of the oldest parts of China and quite extraordinarily well-preserved antiques are still found there due to its remoteness and relatively underdeveloped economy. Shanxi grew rich in the Qing Dynasty due to salt production and salt's strategic value as a taxable commodity. It was so profitable that Shanxi became a banking center. Many fine courtyard houses were built in the province as a result and many have survived into the modern era. The chest is in good condition for its age, with a lovely patina. The bronze lock plate hardware is not original.