Description: 
A hard solid rosewood  Chinese mirror box inlaid in mother of pearl and brass metal, having  handles and clasp. 

Origin: China

Circa: 1800

Materials: Solid rosewood, metal and mother of pearl.

Size: 25cm wide by 32 cm by 20 cm:  10 inches wide by  12.5 inches by  6.3 inches.

Condition: Good. Minor repairs. Replaced mirror.

The box unfolds. The top part which holds a framed mirror can be left up, supported by the lid and a piece of wood across the front.

The front. Both elegant and strong, standing on a gently rounded base, the robust inlay points to an early date. 

 The side. The strong handle and the inlay exist in perfect harmony of design.

Back showing hinges and characteristically early Chinese design of inlay.

  Detail of inlay.

The box in its complete open glory, showing all its drawers. The side sections (with carved fronts) have deeper spaces on the top, which are opened by sliding the lids. 

  View from the back when opened. The wood has patinated to a deep warm glow.

  Side view.

Profile showing the strong elegant lines.

Illustration on a lacquer box, showing ladies with  mirror box.

Detail from our book showing a similar box of later date.

Antique Boxes, Tea Caddies, and Society, 1700--1880 
Antigone Clarke & Joseph O'Kelly, ISBN: 0764316885