Painted Opera Chest from Shanxi - 19thC Campaign Furniture Finely Carved white Marble Platter

Finely Carved white Marble Platter - from Rajasthan

Patterns have been incised through the top layer of lacquer revealing colours beneath

There is normally a small door at the side for the flour to come out

This expertly crafted Indian brass casket dates to the early 18th century

Inspired by the great sculptural tradition of Chinese guardian animals

Painted Opera Chest from Shanxi - 19thC Campaign Furniture Finely Carved white Marble PlatterThis vintage painted Chinese paulownia wood trunk is known as an Opera Chest and originates from Shanxi Province and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be crafted into furniture and given as part of a